Following the first two legs in Bali and Brazil, the third and final leg of the Billabong World Junior Championships is set to be staged at the iconic point break of Burleigh Heads, with the waiting period running from 21st -29th January. After previously running at locations such as Sydney’s North Narrabeen, Victoria’s Phillip Island and Maui’s Honolua Bay, it will be the first year the event will run on the Gold Coast.

With joint leader Australian Davey Cathels pulling out of the event last minute due to injury, the title race is still wide open. However Brazilian Caio Ibelli (who claimed the second leg at home in Brazil) and last year’s victor Gold Coast local Jack Freestone who will be on home turf are clear favourites for the title.

The main Euro contenders looking for big results include Portuguese rippers Frederico ‘Kikas’ Morais and Vasco Ribeiro (both in equal 12th position). Frenchman and previous Junior Champion title holder Maxime Huscenot, currently standing in 27th place, has his work cut out for him .

The event is set to be broadcast live at www.billabongpro.com. If conditions are as good as in ASL’s vid below, you won’t want to miss it!

Best Ever Burleigh Point from Surfing Life on Vimeo.