- WSL / Kelly Cestari

Surfing Australia has signed a deal with Australian broadcaster Channel Nine to air a unique broadcast contest that will bring some of the biggest names in the sport out of retirement.

So, how does it work? There are 13 episodes in which surfers such as Mick Fanning and Joel Parkinson will have two hours to surf at their local break, with their best three waves scored by the public and Olympic Surfing Head Judge Glen Elliott.

Mick Fanning of Australia won Heat 2 of the Quarterfinals at the Rip Curl Pro, Bells Beach, 2018. Mick Fanning should have no trouble at all switching back into competition mode - WSL / Ed Sloane

The first episide of RIVALS will air on Channel Nine from 12 pm on Saturday, August 8, 2020, and just wait until you see the full list of surfers who will be participating.

Mick Fanning, Joel Parkinson, Dean Morrison, Bede Durbidge, Josh Kerr, Danny Wills, Shaun Cansdell, Jay Thompson, Glen Hall, Kai Otton and Nathan Hedge will all have stand alone episodes in which they can tear up their local breaks for your viewing pleasure.

Dean Morrison Dean Morrison is among the competitors competing in RIVALS. - WSL / Tim Hain

Surfing Australia said all the contestants with the exception of Shaun Cansdell have already locked away their two-hour heats, and that Mick, Joel and Dean Morrison chose to pull the trigger on their two-hour heats at the same time, at pumping Snapper.

This concept will bring some of the fiercest competitors the sport has ever seen back to their element -- for more information head to Surfing Australia.

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