What: Women’s ASP World Tour Stop No. 5
Where: Manly Beach: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
When: October 9-14, 2008

Former World Champion Chelsea Hedges is back! Hedges has been on hiatus from the tour, having given birth to her daughter, Mieka, just four months ago, but will be competing in the Oakley Trials on Day One in an attempt to secure the wildcard slot in the main event.

Current World Champion and the event’s only victor will attempt to defend her crowns. Stephanie Gilmore has been the only person to ever win this event. In the event’s short, two-year history she has taken out Layne Beachley in the final of her own event, and in 2007, came from behind to nab a win over Silvana Lima. She leads in the ratings, but only by 12 points. This could be the contest that ultimately decides the championship.

The event almost didn’t happen. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia threw in the sponsorship cash at the last minute, effectively saving the event. This is the only event on the women’s tour without a mainstream surf industry sponsor.

Biggest purse + extra points = lots at stake. With 20 percent more points and an inflated $100,000 purse available, this event provides the ideal opportunity to jump in the ratings and inflate the bank account, meaning the girls will be more motivated than ever.

YOU could win the Beachley Classic. Okay, maybe not the actual event. And no, there’s no chance you’ll be banking anywhere near $100,000. But there are all sorts of prizes up for grabs on Women’s Fantasy Surfer and all you have to do is log on and pick the right team.