This is the big one, the most important event on the World Tour, and this year its even more crucial. A Pipe Masters title is more important than a win in any other event. Pipe’s the most treacherous and most difficult wave on tour. Most of the guys that have won this contest are surfers I looked up to as a kid. There’s no contest I’d like to win more and a big result this year could get me a second World Title. I’m confident I can perform my best under pressure so I’m crossing my fingers for big clean swells this winter. Wooo!

My major sponsor has an exclusive license to run a World Tour contest at a secret spot each year. In the past they have scored incredible waves so it’s exciting to think about where we might be heading in 2009. I was lucky enough to get in a win in the first ever Rip Curl Search event but I haven’t gone to well in the past few years. The organisers of the event do a great job of keeping the event secret… even from me! I’ve been snooping around though and I heard we’ll be in Portugal this year. It makes sense because the event starts just after Mundaka.

I missed Mundaka with a groin injury in 2008 but the year before I nabbed my best result there finishing equal third. Mundaka is probably one of the most difficult stops we have on tour. When the wave is on its one of the best lefts in the world, only bummer is it rarely comes on during the event window. In 2008 the event scored decent waves, hopefully it comes on in 2009. Although not everyone agrees that Mundaka should be a tour stop it’s an event that has a rich history and a respected list of past winners, a list I’ll be looking to add my name to in 2009 off the back of two wins.

I get damn good beach break waves not too far from where I live but the South West of France probably has the finest beachies I’ve ever surfed. This stretch of coast can hold big swells and on its day can match the power of Hawaii. I got a win here in 2007 that helped me clinch the world title but I haven’t always had great success in this contest. Last year I had a 33rd in the event so I’ll be looking to step up again in 09. I’m feeling solid getting my first win since Brazil in 2007 at the Hurley Pro Trestles.

This is another one of the events on tour where a first place finish has eluded me. Trestles is one of the most enjoyable spots we get to surf on tour. The wave is steep but not super punchy so you can really throw the tail around. The crowd at Trestles is always super-vocal and appreciative of our performances and that seems to really push us to want to go big.

This is seriously one of the best waves on earth and certainly one that rates in my top five. J-Bay is such a fun place to visit; the locals are so friendly and South Africa is just a cool country to explore. I’ve had two wins at Jeffreys and they are victories I’m really proud of. I feel like the long walls at Supertubes suit my style and I always look forward to going back to try and rack up another big result.

I’ve got fond memories of Brazil, I’ve had two wins there and it is also where I wrapped up my World Title in 2007. The beach breaks around Sanata Cantarina can get good but can also be a little unreliable for waves. Brazil has always been the second last stop since I joined the tour but it’s been shifted in this years schedule because the waves are apparently better and more consistent at this time of year. I hope the ASPs decision to move the event pays off.

There are four events on tour I haven’t won before and the Billabong Pro in Tahiti is one of them. In 2007 I got close, finishing runner-up to Damien Hobgood in the final. Teahupoo is one of the most challenging waves on the planet, especially when the swell gets up over the six foot mark, and that makes a victory here extra special. I’ve not always had great results in the Billabong Pro but it’s a wave I love and an event I’m psyched to win.

The second stop on the World Tour is the world’s longest running surf event. I’ve been going to Bells almost every year since I was 16 and it is one of my all-time favourite places to surf and compete. When I was 19 I won my first World Tour event at the Rip Curl Pro as a wildcard. I’ve made the finals there a bunch of times since but haven’t been able to grab another win. The wave itself is tricky – probably one of the harder waves on tour to master – my strategy for notching big scores is probably the same as most of the guys: get busy and squeeze in as many big turns on the Bells Bowl as possible before the wave fattens out. Then I like to work my way through to the shore-break closeout section and give it everything I’ve got. That last turn at Bells can be the difference between an 8-point ride and a perfect 10.

One of the most sought after trophies in surfing. © Getty Images

The Quiksilver Pro is the first event on the tour and is staged at my homebreak at Snapper Rocks. I’ve won the event twice [2005, 2007] and they’re probably two the most memorable wins of my career. This event is crucial to the world title race. In the past few years the winner of this event has gone on to win the World Title. I’ve had a better preparation for 2009 than any other year. I feel relaxed, I’ve minimized distractions, and I’ve got the right equipment. I’m more than ready for stop one. Bring it on!

Snapper Rocks. © Getty Images