Getting in early with this thread this year.

There have been some great stories in past years and hopefully plenty more of them this year. The forecast looks pretty decent at this stage and there is a big old West Coast swell rolling through which will make things pretty interesting if it hangs around.

It will great to hear some first timers' stories as well as from those who are leading us around the course.

Who is the pre-race favourite? Is it superstar Bjorn, triple reigning champion Peter Volwater or will the winner come out of the local stars; Slowboat, Jesper, Dan?