THE cream of the surfing crop have descended on Jeffreys Bay to battle it out in the 25th Billabong Pro surfing competition.

South Africa’s premier surfing event, which has the most exciting line-up in years, runs from today until July 25.

Bumper crowds are expected to visit the coastal resort this weekend to experience world- class surfing and a host of other activities that include food stalls and performances by top South African bands.

The world’s 45 top-ranked surfers and three wild cards will ride the waves in order to clinch the coveted title and R375000 in prize-money.

Surfline, the official surf forecaster for the competition, predicts ideal 2 to 2.5-metre waves with bigger sets and favourable weather conditions.

Media communications officer Brandon Kegel said they were excited about the event because it was the 25th anniversary of the competition.

“We have four local surfers in the event, which is the biggest local field in many years.

“Jordy Smith, currently the world number two, could emerge as the local winner,” he said.

Smith, 22, may become the first South African to head the ASP world title race rankings if he wins in Jeffreys Bay.

Wild card Ryan Payne, of St Francis Bay, said it was going to be a great experience surfing against top seeds like Kelly Slater.

“I feel good about my chances in the competition. I have been training mainly in Jeffreys Bay. I have been watching the main players while they were free surfing. I tried to surf as much as I can,” he said.

Slater, the current world number one and favourite, is bidding for an unprecedented tenth Association of Surfing Professionals world title.

Defending champion Joel Parkinson (Austalia) has withdrawn from the competition after suffering a cut to his right foot during a practice session in Australia on Friday. Other hot contenders include Brazil’s Adriano de Souza, Americans Bobby Martinez, Dane Reynolds and Taylor Knox and Australia’s Bede Durbidge.

The competition is sanctioned by the World Surfing Championships Tour. There are 11 annual surfing events and the Billabong Pro is the only one in Africa.