World's best surfers take on Australia's biggest swell

Big names will take on record swells this weekend, as top international and Australian surfers contest the finals of the Drug Aware Pro Margaret River 2008.

With surf forecasts for tomorrow predicting swell equal to the largest competition surf ever seen in Australia, all eyes will be on Surfers Point, Margaret River.

Tourism Minister Sheila McHale said the event featured 250 of the world's best male and female surfers, as well as exciting young surfers on the Association of Surfing Professionals World (ASP) Tour.

"The Drug Aware Pro Margaret River has been part of Western Australian and global surfing culture for more than 20 years," Ms McHale said.

"The event will be televised to millions of people in 48 different countries, with 600,000 viewers expected to watch live internet coverage."

The Minister said the Pro, a six-star prime-rated World Qualifying Series (WQS) event for men and a five-star event for women, would pump about $1.8million into the WA economy.

"More than 15,000 surf fans are expected at Surfers Point to watch these top-rated surfers from the WQS vie for rating points and prizemoney totalling $194,000," Ms McHale said.

"This event showcases many of our amazing tourist attractions, including surf beaches, award-winning wineries, gourmet food and art and cultural facilities.

"A 30-minute highlights program on the Pro will be broadcast around Australia and the globe into WA's major tourism markets.

"Supporting the event is a fantastic way to showcase our State's sun, surf and sea experiences."

The event can be viewed live at http://www.drugawarepro.com