Central Coast surfer Wade Carmichael ready for WSL Tahiti Pro Teahupo'o

Central Coast surfer Wade Carmichael had a year to remember as a rookie. Now he’s hoping he will have a year he will never forget on the 2019 world tour.

• Tragedy to triumph for surfer Ryan Callinan
• Mariners boasting Socceroo star power
• High hopes for this budding Olympian

Last year when Wade Carmichael surfed Teahupo'o he wondered what all the fuss was about.

A first timer at the famous reef break, the Avoca surfer found himself competing on waves significantly less intimidating than those the venue is famed for.

The verdict is still out on what’s ahead for the Billabong Pro but things could be very different this year for one of Australia’s top ranked surfers on the world tour.

BEARDED WARRIOR: Wade causing a stir

Carmichael, whose laid-back nature and impressive beard has earned him cult status among surfing fans, is hoping to use the tournament to vault back into the world rankings top 10.

Australian Wade Carmichael finished runner-up at J-Bay last year.

Only surfers inside the 10 can earn an automatic qualification for surfing's Olympic debut in Tokyo next year.

“I haven’t made a final yet this year either, just two quarters in Snapper and Bali,” Carmichael said.

“I’m trying to keep things simple, aiming to get through as many heats as I can and making sure I am still having fun.

“I’m stoked. I’ve been pretty consistent this year but I want to get back into the top 10.

“Every heat is just tough, there are heats you have to grind through.

Wade Carmichael competing at Bells Beach in one of the Australian legs of the world surf tour.

‘It’s a bit of a different playing field from last year. Everyone has stepped it up.

“With the Olympics next year I’ve definitely seen things lift.”

Carmichael is currently ranked 15th but the fourth Australian on the world tour.

Also competing at the Billabong Pro Tahiti when it is activated any time from this Thursday are Newcastle’s Ryan Callinan, the top Australian on the world rankings in ninth place, 2018 world tour runner-up Julian Wilson in 10th, former No. 1 Owen Wright in 12th and Central Coast surfer Ace Buchan in 21st.

Buchan is the only Australian to have previously won the Billabong Pro, claiming his title back in 2013.