NEWCASTLE'S Flatrock Bodysurfing Invitational is one of a kind.
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The bodysurfing event at Pipeline, in Hawaii, has been cancelled, making Flatrock the world's only reef-break bodysurfing event this year.
The four-hour event will take off tomorrow at the Cowrie Hole, near Newcastle Baths, from 7.30am.
Two-time defending champion and world-class bodyboarder Garth McGregor will start as red-hot favourite.
But organiser and bodysurfing exponent Greg Mayers believes Newcastle Beach lifeguard Adam Metcalfe is a major chance.
Metcalfe made the finals last year and Mayers believes he can go one better.
"There's a few young local blokes who have been putting in a fair bit of effort and they have good lungs. I've pumped them right up on what to do," Mayers said.
"I really think Garth will be pushed to the limit, I'm dead serious this year.
"Adam is a real waterman."
Mayers has brought in several new faces for the third instalment of Flatrock, notably Bansai Pipeline bodysurfing competitor Peter Sperling, from Sydney.
Sperling is a regular face around infamous Sydney reef breaks such as Ours, Voodoos and Shark Island.
"You have to be really crooked to surf Ours," Mayers said. "The Bra Boys went over and said, 'This is ours.' There's a few bodysurfers there but they're a rare crew.
"Not too many people want to do it."
Sydney Olympics 200-metres butterfly bronze medallist Justin Norris will return for another foray at Flatrock.
Norris is tipped to reach the four-man final, along with Newcastle surfboard maker Peter McCabe.