MANLY, Australia (Thursday, October 9, 2008) - The Oakley Trials are in the water and Round 1 of the Beachley Classic is just hours away from commencing. This means that the clock is ticking of all you Fantasy Surfer advocates out here to lock in your team for maximum pointage. To help you out, the fine folks at F/S are offering some insider tips for the event. This...is their story...

Former ASP Women’s World Champion Chelsea Hedges is back! Hedges has been on hiatus from the tour, having given birth to her daughter, Mieka, just four months ago, but will be competing in the Oakley Trials on Day One in an attempt to secure the wildcard slot in the main event.

Current ASP Women’s World Champion and the event’s only victor will attempt to defend her crowns. Stephanie Gilmore has been the only person to ever win this event. In the event’s short, two-year history she has taken out Layne Beachley in the final of her own event, and in 2007, came from behind to nab a win over Silvana Lima. She leads in the ratings, but only by 12 points. This could be the contest that ultimately decides the championship.

The event almost didn’t happen. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia threw in the sponsorship cash at the last minute, effectively saving the event. This is the only event on the women’s tour without a mainstream surf industry sponsor.

Biggest purse + Extra points = Lots at stake. With 20 percent more points and an inflated $100,000 purse available, this event provides the ideal opportunity to jump in the ratings and inflate the bank account, meaning the girls will be more motivated than ever.

YOU could win the Beachley Classic. Okay, maybe not the actual event. And no, there’s no chance you’ll be banking anywhere near $100,000. But there are all sorts of prizes up for grabs on Women’s Fantasy Surfer and all you have to do is log on and pick the right team.

Don’t miss a moment of LIVE action at the 2008 BEACHLEY CLASSIC

And be sure to log in your team at FANTASY SURFER