Manly's turning it on for Round 1 of the Open Mens division of the Australian Open of Surfing this morning.  It's probably the best waves we've had on offer over the last 3 months; 2-3ft of peaky ESE swell, light winds and a dropping tide.   Although the forecast is for a strong gusty Southerly blowing, there's no sign of it yet and hopefully we'll get a full day of clean conditions. First action of the day featured Queenscliff Boardriders Club Wildcard Nick Butler who surfed a solid heat and progressed through to the Rd of 96 tomorrow. The crowd on hand for Nick's heat was the big and a roar went up every time a set came anywhere near him.

If you can't get down to the beach and watch tune in online and watch the live webcast.  North Steyne Wildcard and former WCT surfer Dayyan Neve should be hitting the water around 3pm this afternoon.

:: Murray