Is it worth heading to Margs to watch the pro surfers?
Once a year the world's best surfers descend on Margaret River to battle it out for the prestigious WSL Championship Tour title, but is it worth watching it in person?
The competition period is 17-28 May and every contest day is free to attend with hundreds of people gathering on the hill above Surfers Point to view the lineup.
The entire car park at Surfers Point is filled with food trucks, music and expert commentary, a bar overlooking the surf, merchandise stores and huge screens which relay the scores and close ups of the action.
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After the surfers have completed their heats, they make their way along the barriers to sign autographs and take pictures with fans, so there's also the chance to get up close and personal with your favourite surfers. Perth band Pretty Uglys playing on the stage where the winners will be crowned. Credit: Stone and Wood / Instagram
After the completion of finals day, when the men's and women's Margaret River Pro champions are chaired up the beach and crowned in the awards ceremony, there is likely to be speeches, interviews and live music.
This is followed by a celebratory night of partying from the pro surfers and fans in Margaret River.
The competition is already underway with the opening rounds completed earlier this week and it's ramping up to be an exciting finals day, which is likely to take place over the next few days.
Every morning, usually around 7.15am, the WSL Commissioner decides whether to run the contest based on conditions; this ensures that surfers compete on the best possible waves.
The quickest way to find out if the Margaret River Pro is 'On', 'Off', or 'On Hold' is to check on the WSL website or via their Instagram.
If you're considering heading down to watch, it's worth noting that no dogs are allowed at the event, and while there are lots of food and drink options, there's little seating and nearly no shelter.
So, with a wet and windy forecast for the next few days, it's worth bringing warm waterproof clothing and a camping chair. Last year's winner on the women's side, Gabriella Bryan, surfing in the final, sharing the waves with dolphins. Credit: WSL / Instagram / Instagram
As the car park is fully occupied with the event infrastructure, no parking is available at Surfers Point, but you can park close by at McLeods Paddock or Wallcliffe Road opposite the Margaret River Golf Course. On the weekends of the event, the shuttle bus will run on a continuous loop from Surfers Point to McLeods parking area.
After a heartbreaking early exit from the competition from WA local Jack Robinson, the men to watch as finals day approaches are WA wildcard Jacob Wilcox and South African veteran Jordy Smith.
On the women's side, Gabriella Bryan will be trying to go back to back and repeat her win from last year and Aussie surfer Molly Picklum will be trying to get her first event win of the year.
The Margaret River Pro is a high stakes event, with only the top 10 women and top 22 men progressing for the rest of the year so competition between the surfers will be fierce in the final days.
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