Just one day to go before Snapper’s official waiting period commences and Kelly, among others, sounds excited about kickoff!

“The sand bank is perfect. I’m looking forward to it,” relished the 11-time champ at the opening press conference. “I got going yesterday afternoon with my first surf. I’ve got all new boards; I didn’t bring any with me. I’m excited to get out there and surf”.

With the trials completed, the heat draw will see Kelly face Wilko and on-form men’s trial winner Matt Banting in Round 1 which apparently could commence as early as tomorrow.

“Getting a win in Newcastle and now here feels great” said Matt Banting, “I’m surfing smart heats and feeling fit and looking forward to the main event. I can’t wait to be up against Kelly again, I’ve had two cracks in the past and he’s gotten me both times. It’s been three or four years and I’m stronger and more experienced than last time so we will see how it goes.”

Banting on his way to clinching the final wildcard spot.

Other match-ups to watch out for will include defending champ Mick Fanning’s heat against Dane, and John John and Gabriel Medina’s Heat 10 bout will no doubt attract plenty fans too! For status updates and the live webcast head straight to the newly revamped ASP website here.

Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast Round 1:
Heat 1: Julian Wilson (AUS), Jeremy Flores (FRA), Travis Logie (ZAF)
Heat 2: Taj Burrow (AUS), Miguel Pupo (BRA), Dion Atkinson (AUS)
Heat 3: Jordy Smith (ZAF), Fredrick Patacchia (HAW), Brett Simpson (USA)
Heat 4: Joel Parkinson (AUS), Bebe Durbidge (AUS), Tiago Pires (PRT)
Heat 5: Kelly Slater (USA), Matt Wilksinson (AUS), Matt Banting (AUS)
Heat 6: Mick Fanning (AUS), Adam Melling (AUS), Dane Reynolds (USA)
Heat 7: Kai Otton (AUS), Adrian Buchan (AUS), Raoni Monteiro (BRA)
Heat 8: Nat Young (USA), Sebastian Zietz (HAW), Artiz Aranburu (EUK)
Heat 9: Josh Kerr (AUS), Filipe Toledo (BRA), Mitch Crews (AUS)
Heat 10: John John Florence (HAW), Gabriel Medina (BRA), Jadson Andre (BRA)
Heat 11: CJ Hobgood (USA), Adriano De Souza (BRA), Alejo Muniz (BRA)
Heat 12: Michel Bourez (PYF), Owen Wright (AUS), Kolohe Andino (USA)

Roxy Pro Gold Coast Round 1 :
Heat 1: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), Bianca Buitendag (ZAF), Alessa Quizon (HAW)
Heat 2: Courtney Conlogue (USA), Pauline Ado (FRA), Nikki Van Dijk (AUS)
Heat 3: Carissa Moore (HAW), Malia Mauel (HAW), Keely Andrew (AUS)
Heat 4: Tyler Wright (AUS), Alana Blanchard (HAW), Johanne Defay (FRA)
Heat 5: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Laura Enver (AUS), Paige Hareb (NZL)
Heat 6: Coco Ho (HAW), Lakey Peterson (USA), Dimity Stoyle (AUS)