‘Danger’ as Sally faces raft of new surf foes

SALLY Fitzgibbons is on an intelligence gathering mission as she prepares to face a slew of “danger surfers” during her 11th quest for a world surfing crown.

Fitzgibbons is checking out both familiar and new faces at the Surfest women’s event at Newcastle this week as she puts the finishing touches on her early season preparations ahead of the Roxy Pro World Tour opener at Snapper Rocks in March.

The annual event at Newcastle boasts a number of world tour surfers including world champion Tyler Wright.

But of particular interest to Fitzgibbons is the likes of American teen Caroline Marks.

At 15, the youngest female ever to make the women’s world tour, Marks is the face of the future and Fitzgibbons is keen to have a good look at the youngster before facing her in world tour events.

“It’s a great chance to get some valuable info on your competitors on the world tour,’’ Fitzgibbons said as the first day of competition was blown out by a wild southerly.

“It’s a little headstart on everyone in the water.

“And I always want more info on the young surfers coming up. They can be very dangerous.’’

The Surfest event will be the only tournament either Fitzgibbons or Wright contest prepare to the start of the season.

World No. 2 Stephanie Gilmore has opted to go without a single lead-up event, instead training at her home break at Snapper Rocks.

This means the world No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 will all be missing from next weeks Sydney Pro at Manly.

Just one heat was surfed at Newcastle on Tuesday with a wild southerly wiping out both the competition for the day and an unlucky jetski rider.

Former world No. 1 Matt Wilkinson heads the list of top surfers contesting the men’s event at Newcastle.