Margaret River Main Break has been the site for one of the biggest qualifying events for the world tour for the last 20 years, but this is the first time it is a full on WCT event.

The wave, known as Main Break, is a left and right peak with the lefthander providing longer rides with the right often having a solid end section for punting airs.

The wave is exposed to swells that come roaring out of the Indian Ocean, which means conditions change quickly, and it’s not uncommon for contests to be held one day in head high surf and the next in triple overhead. It’s this potential for such a diverse range of conditions that makes this event so exciting and unpredictable.

Who to watch out for?

Although it hasn’t been a WCT event, most of the top surfers compete there as it is was one of the biggest events not on tour. It still doesn’t make it any easier to predict who will be in the running, on some swells the wave can lack a lip for tricks, thus the power surfers like world champ Mick Fanning or American CJ Hobgood would be expected to do well.

However Josh Kerr, predominantly known as an aerialist has done well as has John John Florence, at this event due to the ramps on the right hander so it is almost to tight to call.

John John Florence wins 2012 Drug Aware Pro Video:

How to watch?

The whole of the tour is broadcast live on a free webcast, just go to www.aspworldtour.com and follow the link.

West Australia is GMT +8, so that means you need to get the coffee on for a long late night. The event runs typically over the best three days of the holding period.