Surf forecast:

The surf forecast for the Hurley Pro suggests we’ll see back-to-back action from the first day of the waiting period. And, we’ve got an unusual mix of swells for the short term forecast too. Right now a series of long period SW groundswells are producing typically fun waves at Trestles, and this will continue through Wednesday (local time, Day 1) with inconsistent set waves in the 3ft+ range, before easing Thursday.

In addition, Hurricane Linda recently formed off southern Baja, and it’ll push up a fresh S/SE swell from late Wednesday through Thursday before easing Friday, with potentially some bigger waves around 3-5ft at the height of the swell during Thursday. The steep angle of this swell will react differently at Trestles to the more common SW groundswell, with this swell combo likely to throw up some tasty bowls. Surface conditions are looking good for the foreseeable future too with light morning offshore winds and afternoon sea breezes, and typically hot SoCal weather.

Injuries:

Matty Banting and Jordy Smith have withdrawn due to injury making room for QS surfers Tomas Hermes (BRA) and Aritz Aranburu (ESP) whose last CT outing was a giant killing run in Fiji

Interestingly, the defending champions of both the Hurley Pro and Swatch Pro (women's), Jordy Smith and Steph Gilmore, are out with injuries. However, back from injury and looking in tip top form is last year's runner up John John Florence. Ace Buchan and Kelly Slater came equal 3rd last year, and each has had contrasting seasons this year. Slater is making his run at the right time, though for the last couple of contests he's been unable to consolidate on early round performances. It's only a matter of time. Meanwhile Ace is floundering in 20th however he always seems to do well at his sponsors outings. If he were to fall short Ace will be fighting relegation, or maybe we'll find out how true those retirement rumours are. As it is, we expect big results from John John, Ace, and Slater.

Favourite surfers:

Lower Trestles is a classic performance wave. It used to be that one big move per wave would see surfers progress but we now live in the combo era. Surfers who link big moves will progress, especially if they do their riskiest work straight after takeoff. With that in mind, and also now that the Pacific leg is over, expect the Brazilian storm to re-intensify

Filipe Toledo left Tahiti under controversy following his zero heat in Round 5. The rumours were that Filipe was carry an injury and this proved to be true – the kid had stitches in his elbow from a reef crash and paddled out rather than forfeited. Is Filipe carrying this injury into Trestles? His recent Instagram post would suggest it's healed well. Lowers is Filipe's adopted home break, his family live in San Clemente, and doesn't appear the least bit discouraged coming out of the Pacific leg. Filipe is back on familiar terrain and my money is on the wiz kid for the win.

Gabriel Medina moved up fives spots with his 2nd place at Chopes and shows signs of bouncing back to his 2014 form which has been missing this year. Gabe has one of the most extensive catalogues of on-demand manoeuvres of any surfer on tour, and Trestles almost demands extensive variety. Not just that, Gabe also has the competitive chops. Given his ability and his renewed competitiveness I've got Gabe down for a runner up finish.

John John Florence was the runner up here last year and this wave suits JJF's style at this size. Like Gabe (but without the competitive nous,) JJF can pull any move at any moment. He'll be the crowd favourite here and I'm looking for a semi final finish.

Owen Wright was dwarfed by Adriano de Souza at Trestles last year, which is kinda funny as Owen is 8 inches taller. But single heats alone don't tell the full story; Owen can kick and spin like the small fellas, especially when given a few feet of ramp. He's also riding high from recent success, he's surfing with confidence and he'll take that to any stage offered. I've got Owen for a quarter final finish or better.

Kelly Slater has a dexterous ability to turn any scenario into a win. Doesn't matter how he's tracking, history shows he can never be written off. Ronnie Blakey reckons Slater hasn't won on turns for years and Slater replied to Ronnie on air – a sure sign Blakey had a point. It doesn't really matter though, 'cos whether it be a buried-to-the-nose snap or hail Mary air, a win is a win. Take it as you get it. I've got Slats for another quarter final finish.

Surfers to watch:

We've seen how well the wildcards have done in competitions this year. Tomas Hermes and Aritz Aranburu are quality surfers looking for upsets, however without barrels I fear Aritz' arsenal is weakened. Hermes however, has the right build and a fair dash of flair. He'll have a tough run given the low seed but with nothing to lose and big odds I'll be investing a little there way in the early rounds.

Italo Ferreria has been the stand out rookie closely followed by Wiggoly Dantas. Both have given the Brazilian Storm credence throughout the heavy water leg. These boys have shown they're equal to, if not just as good as, the best and so deserve their spot on tour. They've taken down the big names throughout this year paying handsomely well. Keen an eye on both these boys for wins.

Hot and cold:

Adriano de Souza might be number one right now, but I can't get past the lack of momentum he brings into this event. Yeah I know he's still in the gold jersey but it's looking more of a dull yellow now. The gloss has worn off. Perhaps that'll spur him on but I feel there's better choices out there.

The form guide: