DUBAI // In the world of surfing, "grommet" is the term that is given to a wave-rider who is younger than 16 years old.
Dubai resident Lucas Bay, 10, hopes to become King of the Groms if he can get enough votes for his surfing video in Quiksilver's online competition.
"I really hope that people like my movie and vote for me, and I hope that this will boost surfing even more in the UAE," said the young Dane, who learnt to surf with his twin brother four years ago.
If he wins enough votes, Lucas will go through to the King of the Groms Godfathers voting panel, which makes the final regional selections.
The 15 winners will compete at the Quiksilver Pro France 2013 in September, alongside pros such as world champion Kelly Slater.
"Despite what many people may think, you can learn to surf in Dubai and now with the Wadi Adventure pool in Al Ain I can practise all year round," said Lucas.
His video was shot on Dubai's Sunset Beach and in the wave pool at Wadi Adventure, where he rides big waves with ease.
Scott Chambers, of Surf Dubai, said Lucas had the raw talent to turn professional in a few years.
"It's a real testament to the fact kids can learn to surf here and compete on the world stage," Mr Chambers said.
"When there's 10 to 12 really good days a month on average during the season and a sprinkling of sessions in wave pool sessions every month, it's still possible to get on the long road to becoming a pro surfer."
Lucas, who is already sponsored by the surf brand Volcom, said many of the young surfers in the region did not have enough chances to display their skills.
With the cancellation of the Sunset Open, in which he won silver last year, there has only been one surfing competition this year: Wadi Adventure's Volcom Jam, where Lucas came first in the groms division.
His mum, Mette Bay, said Lucas and his brother were always in the water and had been swimming since the age of two.
"They started out on the boogie boards. We were the ones pulling them around in the waves and they loved it and it just got bigger and bigger from there," Mrs Bay said.
To vote for Lucas Bay, go to http:bit.ly/YtBsg5
