Boys get down to business end at Rip Curl GromSearch presented by SNICKERS (Cronulla, NSW– Sunday 24th January 2010): Competitors have faced a myriad of conditions at the Rip Curl GromSearch presented by SNICKERS with near gale force winds, torrential rain and extreme heat but it seems nothing can deter Australia’s best ‘grommets’ from keeping their eyes on the prize as Day 3 headed into overdrive.

With a fresh 1m south swell in the water following yesterday’s strong southerly change, competitors were salivating at the prospect of strutting their stuff in the more contestable conditions.

Jokes aside, there was no mucking around in the boys blue ribbon division as spots in the semi finals and a possible dream entry into the National GromSearch Final loomed.

Leading the charge was Avoca Beach’s (NSW) Beau Wills who producing a scintillating exhibition of power surfing.

Rachael Cambell from Stanwell Park was awarded the SNICKERS WAVE AWARD

“Everything out there seemed to work for me,” said Wills. “I was in position for the higher scoring set waves and I found some great form.”

The young Grom totally dominated his heat.

“We’re into the Semi Finals now and everyone’s gunning for a finals spot, so I need to go all out and so far it’s paid off.”

For his efforts, Wills earned himself the Triple Bull Daily Performance Award and will be a major threat in the Quarter Finals.

Local young gun Jesse Horner (Cronulla, NSW) kept his Bells Beach (VIC) dream alive, with a solid performance through Round 2 which not only saw him win through to the Quarter Finals, but also take out the SNICKERS Wave of the Day.

“I’m super happy with my heat win this morning,” said Horner. “I’m feeling really confident and I’m pumped to take the event out on my home beach.”

“It would be great start to the year with a win here and a trip to Bells would be the icing on the cake!” continued Horner.

Meanwhile, in the Under 14 Boys Division, it was Jacob Hooker (Woonona, NSW), Luke Hynd (Surfers Paradise, QLD), and Jake Thompson (Avoca, NSW) who progressed through their Round 2 heats after posting solid scores.

Performance levels are expected to be raised again tomorrow with crowns in all six divisions set to be decided.

The Rip Curl GromSearch series is presented by SNICKERS and is held in all surfing states of Australia along with key surfing regions around the world including the USA, Brazil, Europe, Indonesia, South Africa and New Zealand.

Competition is expected to get under way each day at 7:45am with the daily running schedule and contest location confirmed on the Surfing NSW Event Hotline (0458 247 212) after 6:45am each day of the event.