The Billabong Pro Tahiti was put on hold yesterday as waves up to 7 metres (25 feet) washed through the contest site of Teahupoo. The swell was first forecast a week ago and since then the world's best big wave riders - including Australians, Dylan Longbottom, Laurie Towner, Ryan Hipwood and Anthony Walsh - had begun assembling at Teahupoo. Once the contest announcement was made the most anticipated layday in surfing history got underway.

Around ten tow teams whipped each other into the waves while the world's best pro surfers and a huge gathering of media watched on from the safety of the channel. The surf was so large and dangerous that some of the most experienced heads in surfing were saying they'd never seen anything like it.

It was rare for professional big wave riders to have such a large and esteemed audience. While the professional contest surfers - usually the ones providing the entertainment - could sit back and enjoy the spectacle for once.

The swell has dropped to a more manageable size today and the contest organisers have resumed competition. The remaining competitors have some mighty big boots to fill.

(Photos: ASP/Robertson, Kirstin)