(Boomerang Beach, NSW - Wednesday, 28 July 2010): Wet weather and unfavourable conditions were unable to douse the phenomenal surfing on display during day one of the Ocean & Earth NSW Junior Surfing Titles.

Widely regarded as the most important junior surfing event in NSW, the event saw the top seeds rising to the occasion, obliterating the wind-swept one metre conditions at Boomerang Beach.

Littered with current and former World and Australian Junior Champions, as well as top-rated ASP Australasian Pro Juniors, it was current, under 16, ISA World Champion Matt Banting (Port Macquarie, NSW) who delivered a warning shot to fellow competitors in the blue ribbon division - the under 18 boys.

Racking up a total heat score of 14.25 (out of a possible 20), Banting was in sensational form. Having just returned from competing in Indonesia, Banting picked up where he left off in Bali. With effortless control, speed and precision, Banting through heralded his intentions for the title.

Reigning under 16 NSW champion Cooper Chapman (North Narrabeen, NSW) was also in great form claiming the highest single wave score of the day with a blistering eight-point ride (out of a possible 10).

Damo Norman (Casuarina, NSW), Jake Sylvester (Bar Beach, NSW), Rory Jenkins (Cronulla, NSW), Sean Mawson (Manyana, NSW), Josh Hay (Copacabana, NSW) and Connor O'Leary (Cronulla, NSW) also found themselves in the winners circle; each with equally impressive performances in challenging conditions.

The five day event will see 220 surfers battle it out across six divisions for prestigious titles and selection into the esteemed Australian Junior Surfing Titles.

Tomorrow will see the under 16 and under 14 years boys and girls taking to the water for their opportunity to become the next NSW junior champion.

The Ocean & Earth NSW Junior Surfing Titles will be broadcast LIVE via www.surfingnsw.com.au with live scores, commentary, results, news, photo and video galleries.

The Ocean & Earth NSW Junior Surfing Titles are proudly supported by Ocean & Earth, Country Energy, Great Lakes Council, Great Lakes Tourism, Suncorp, Sundowner Tiona Tourist Park, Saltwater Wine Surf Centres, Swellnet, Great Lakes Advocate, Max FM and Surfing NSW.

About Ocean & Earth

Ocean & Earth has been at the pinnacle of the Australian and international surfing industry for over 25 years. Based in Sussex Inlet on the NSW south coast, Ocean Earth has become a recognisable leader in both surf and snow accessories and apparel in over 20 countries worldwide.

Through its five year global expansion plan, Ocean & Earth plans to further accelerate its growth both in the domestic and international markets. Ocean & Earth is one of the few remaining independent surf and snow brands to survive in a market now dominated by public companies.

www.oceanearth.com.au