THE world’s top 45 surfers have been issued a severe warning about what to expect for the 2008 Billabong Pro Tahiti with the world’s heaviest wave, Teahupoo, roaring to life on the opening day of the Air Tahiti Nui - Von Zipper Trials.

The Trials event awards two wildcards into the Billabong Pro main event and pits 40 respected international big wave surfers against 40 Tahitian locals.

The 2008 Trials event has attracted the cream of progressive big wave surfing talent with the likes of Jamie Sterling (Haw), Kalani Chapman (Haw), Jamie O’Brien (Haw), Cory Lopez (USA), Dylan Longbottom (AUS), Clay Marzo (Haw), Laurie Towner (AUS), Brian Conley (USA), and Anthony Walsh (AUS) making the field the strongest in its nine year history.

A powerful WSW swell confronted contestants on day one, with a light offshore breeze fanning perfect 10-12ft (3-4m) sets with the occasional 15ft sneaker keeping contestants in round one and two on their toes.

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