DAY 3 of the Rip Curl GromSearch Phillip Island, presented by Bass Coast Shire Council, returned to Smiths Beach under sunny blue skies and perfect 2-foot beach break waves.

The Under 18 Boys Round 2 kicked off early, greeted by clean 2-foot peaks wrapping into the beach. Jimmi Hill (Coolangatta, QLD) was a standout performer, displaying his skills on multiple left-hand waves. Hill opened with a strong wrapping carve, sending spray flying into the air, before executing a series of powerful backhand hits and finishing the wave close to his fellow competitor. His impressive performance earned him a score of 6.83. Wasting no time, Hill paddled back out and caught another left, once again putting his backhand attack to work, scoring a 6.43 to secure his place in the quarterfinals.

“I just wanted to get a good first turn and finish strong on my lefts,” said Hill.

“I love it down here, it’s always got fun little waves.”

The final heat of the Under 16 Boys division thrilled beachside fans as Ocean Lancaster (Merewether, NSW) went back to back on two good waves. Lancaster started strong, smashing a left-hand runner to score a 6.17-point ride. He then followed it up with a clean air reverse, earning a 6.57, putting him comfortably in the lead.

However, second place remained wide open, with Rio Luther Barr (Bundagen, NSW) and Leo Sennett (Kingscliff, NSW) going blow for blow as they battled for the spot. Both surfers were evenly matched, needing only small scores to advance. In the final five minutes, Luther Barr held the advantage, but Sennett found the largest set of the day. He took off and delivered two huge backhand snaps, with the crowd cheering from the shore. Sennett's impressive ride earned him a 6.33-point score, securing his place in Round 3.

“I was a bit nervous before the heat because I saw the other competitors and thought it was a hard heat, but I just wanted to stick to my guns,” explained Sennett.

“When that wave came through, I was like, yes, first priority! Then I just came off the bottom, hit it, and knew I had to make the end section—and then I made it!” he said, full of stoke.

In the Under 16 Girls division, Lani Can Cross (Kiama Downs, NSW) dominated the Smiths Beach line-up, picking up a perfect left-hand peak and smashing the critical lip on the first section before flowing into a series of smooth carving manoeuvres. This exceptional ride earned her an impressive 8.33-point score, along with the Surf Better Now Wave of the Day.

However, she wasn’t finished, heading back out to catch another left, where she snapped off the lip twice, scoring a 6.67-point ride. Even on a right, Can Cross attempt an air reverse, warning her competitors of her full potential. She progressed comfortably with a combined total of 15.00 points.

“It’s pretty good down here, conditions today are great—nice and clean, small waves, but plenty of waves to go around,” said Can Cross.

“I was just thinking in my head, don’t bog my rail or nose dive, just stick the landing, play it safe a little bit, and see how I go. The girls were shredding and catching heaps of waves—it’s so good to see all the girls from around Australia come and compete together.”

The Under 14 division wrapped up the day, with the girls making the most of the fun peaks on offer. Navah Holmes (Tugun, QLD) stood out in her Round 2 heat, staying busy and scoring a 6.50 for a couple of solid forehand slashes. She followed it up with a 7.50 for a powerful two-turn backhand combo. Holmes posted a combined total of 14.00 points, securing her spot in the quarterfinals.

“On that left, I didn’t actually know I could do that, but yeah, I never normally hit those sections, so I’m stoked,” exclaimed Holmes.

With another fantastic day of surfing complete, the official call for Day 4 of competition will be made in the morning, with all updates to be posted on Surfing Victoria's social media channels and the competitors' WhatsApp group.

Live scores and schedule can be found via https://surfingvic.com/ripcurlgromsearchphillipisland/