As officials called a break in the action at Surfers Point due to less than impressive conditions, surfers from around the world ventured out into the region to experience the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Margaret River.
2015 defending champ Courtney Conlogue delighted fans and coffee addicts on Tuesday morning with at a surprise visit to Yahava Koffeeworks.
Taking an opportunity to catch up with old friends made on previous visits to the region, Conlogue said the chance to learn the coffee roasting process and take part in her first roast was a huge bonus.
"I get to play with coffee, which I absolutely love. I'm in love with the smell of coffee, the flavours, everything," she said.
Conlogue has been visiting the Yahava team for around eight years and enjoys returning to Margaret River more than most stops on the tour.
"Every time I come here I start feeling more and more at home," she said.
"The people, the energy, the coffee, it just all adds to the experience for us in this beautiful part of the world."
The event runs across a 12 day competition window, allowing for a number of days to be called "off".
Surfing WA CEO and Drug Aware Margaret River Pro Event Director Mark Lane echoed Conlogue's praise for the region.
“Obviously the waves this time of year excite any surfer. But what’s unique about the Pro is that away from the contest, there a so many quality surf breaks and a huge selection of tourism experiences on offer,” Mr Lane said.
“That’s why so many surfers bring their families with them – they go and enjoy surfing other waves along the coast, spend an afternoon together over a winery lunch on the lay days, check out the caves, bush walks in the forest, go hiking on the Cape to Cape track, go to Hamlin Bay to feed the sting rays, visit breweries and the like," he said.
A farewell lunch for retiring surfer Taj Burrow was held at Aravina Estate while world number one Matt Wilkinson went behind the scenes at the Margaret River Chocolate Company where he tried his hand at making a few truffles.
Earlier in the week 2001 WSL world champion CJ Hobgood and wife Cortney visited Rosily Wines in Wilyabrup to film a clip for "Extraordinary Margies Moments", an initiative started by Surfing WA to promote some of the unique experiences enjoyed by competing surfers.
Aussies Stephanie Gilmore and Tyler Wright spent some time with their families who have joined them in the West, checking out the best coastal spots between the capes.
This years' friendly cricket match at Cowaramup Oval on Tuesday between the Blow Ins and the Squeezers saw a selection of competing and retired pro surfers join friends and tour-mates for a laugh-filled game.
Mr Lane said that surfers were sharing their experiences on social media, which promotes the Margaret River Region to thousands of their followers.
