For the first time in his career Joel Parkinson is the man to beat going into the Quiksilver Pro. Coming off of a win at the four-star Surfest in Newcastle last week, it doesn't appear celebrating the world title has slowed him down too much.

The smart money would be on Slater winning the Quik Pro. He's won it three times already (and has two other victories at Kirra), and with Parko taking the title and the next generation coming on, he's surfing with some urgency.

Is this the year of the Two Johns? Fans and friends say yes, but per usual, Florence is just happy to let his surfing do the talking.

Nobody's more eager to get this thing underway than Fanning. Expect him to come out and throw a haymaker. An off result on his home turf last year, and a third-place finish in the title ratings, Fanning's going to be all business at Snapper.

Dane Reynolds' approach to Snapper is unlike anything else. Full power, full energy, he's a formidable wildcard, even for the likes of Slater or Parkinson.

The sand-bottom right point break of Snapper Rocks is one of the most high performance waves on tour, offering up tubes, air sections and open faces for full-rail work.

The defending Quik Pro champ, Taj Burrow is a two-time winner on the Gold Coast. Can he finally translate that success into a title this year?

Wouldn't it be great to see Kerr win the title this year? With all the hype that Parko, Slater, Florence and Medina get, Kerr is every bit as talented, and he could very well do it ... if he wants.

Groomed on South Africa's right points, Jordy Smith has always done well at the Quik Pro. A third last year, a second in 2010, he's due to top the podium.

Out of the pub and onto the sand, the Quiksilver Pro is another find Australian tradition and a great excuse to spend a few days at the beach.

It's time to shine for Julian Wilson. The next generation is snapping at his heels, and much like Jordy Smith, if he's going to make a push to assert himself on tour this year it best happen sooner rather than later.