With the future of the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro’s standing on the World Surfing League (WSL) Championship Tour in doubt, the region looks set to put on a show for the final days of competition.
In what one local expert called a potential “all time” 10 to 15 foot swell forecast for both days of the weekend, crowds are expected to flock to the Surfers Point event site for what some are calling the last days of the Pro as we know it.
A lay day was called for the second consecutive day on Tuesday with competition also pausing over Wednesday as officials wait for conditions on the coast to improve.
"We are calling the competition off until Thursday," said World Surfing League Deputy Commissioner Jessi Miley-Dyer.
"What we are looking at for Saturday and Sunday looks way better than anything we are seeing today and tomorrow.
“We have nice winds right now, but there is still not enough swell in the ocean for us to run."
Australians Owen Wright and Jack Freestone will go head to head in the first heat of the men’s quarterfinals, the only two Aussies remaining in the men’s competition.
Freestone stunned with an excellent 8.50 opening ride against USA’s Conner Coffin to advance to the finals, and said he was enjoying his time competing in the region.
I’m over here in the West with a few good mates having fun and staying relaxed and it’s paying off,” Freestone said.
In the women’s competition, Australian Stephanie Gilmore advanced to the semifinals after a tough-fought battle in the quarterfinal against fellow Aussie, Nikki Van Dijk.
Sage Erickson (USA) knocked compatriot and 2017 World Title contender Courtney Conlogue out of the running in the quarterfinals with just a 0.57 point lead.
Australia’s Sally Fitzgibbons won her quarterfinal heat against Hawaii’s Carissa Moore and will face Gilmore in the semifinals.
Erickson will take on defending Margaret River Pro champion, Australian Tyler Wright who advanced after Hawaiian surfer Malia Manuel retired hurt.
Officials will reconvene on Thursday morning to assess conditions and decide when competition will restart.