Hometown hopes set to hit the waves at Australian Open of Surfing

THE hometown favourites are set to make a splash at Manly’s Australian Open of Surfing.

THE hometown favourites are set to make a splash at Manly’s Australian Open of Surfing.

The 2016 AOS begins today, running until March 6, and there is no shortage of local boardriders representing the peninsula.

Kai Otton is looking forward to the event. Pictured from southern side of Manly beach.

Curl Curl’s Kai Otton, 36, is uncertain how much action he will see at the event – with his second child due on Wednesday – but he said “I’m in really good shape” nonetheless.

While the AOS offers peninsula surfers a great opportunity to shine, Otton said it was just as important to inspire the next generation.

“We need this event in Sydney. It’s great for the young kids to watch – it’s something for them to aspire to,” he said.

Australia's Laura Enever looks to go back-to-back this year. pic. Phil Hillyard

Whale Beach sisters Bodhi and Cedar Leigh-Jones, along with Manly’s Winter Vincent, are three of those youngsters who will get the opportunity to compete.

The competition’s inaugural Sydney Grom Challenge – for under-16s and under-14s – runs across this weekend.

“I’m really happy that we get to compete and I’m really excited to compete on my home break,” Winter said.

Bodhi added: “I’m pretty nervous, but excited as well.”