The world's best surfers must wait at least another day to begin their 2023 season after stormy conditions prompted organisers to call a layday at Banzai Pipeline in Hawaii.
Six Australian women spearheaded by eight-times and defending world champion Stephanie Gilmore and seven Aussie men headed by world No.3 Jack Robinson are on Oahu preparing for the World Surf League championship tour's Billabong Pro.
"It's super windy down here today so we're going to come back tomorrow, but today is a lay day," said WSL chief of sport Jessi Miley-Dyer.
"What I think is really important is this wind. There's definitely a good chance it's going to swing around tomorrow afternoon or the next day. So we know we've got some good conditions we're gonna keep our eye on."
Gilmore will be up against reigning event champion Moana Jones Wong of Hawaii in her opening heat, while countrywomen Tyler Wright, Macy Callaghan, Isabella Nicholls, Molly Picklum and wildcard Sally Fitzgibbons will also be in first-round action.
Robinson goes up against Brazilian Jadson Andre and Hawaii's Ezekiel Lau in heat 4 of the men's first round. The other Aussie men are Ethan Ewing, Liam O'Brien, Jackson Baker, Connor O'Leary, Callum Robson and Ryan Callinan.
