There are only 17 full-time World Surf League spots available each year and unless surfers remain in the top 10, they get cycled through to the Qualifying tour. 

"It takes everything you've got to stay at your best and on this Tour and for those of us on there we know we'll do whatever it takes," Fitzgibbons said. 

In her rookie season, she finished in the No. 2 spot behind fellow Australian Stephanie Gilmore before going on to finish as runner-up the two following years.

So with her own experiences in mind of being a young surfer trying to make it as a professional, Fitzgibbons jumped at the opportunity to be a judge for the competition. 

"Just thinking back to when I was the age of some of the emerging groms and how huge something like this would have been to my world," she said. 

"It's super cool have a hand in picking a winner but I'm most excited to be able to watch all the amazing performances get laid down and be inspired to go out and do my own best surfing." 

Fitzgibbons also has some words of advice for young surfers looking to enter. 

"Back yourself," she said. 

"It takes so much courage to be vulnerable and put yourself and your surfing on the line. 

"I feel if you can go beyond just the excitement of getting the golden ticket or being disappointed if you don't, and just see how big it is to believe in your goal and walk away with the strength you showed to stand up and have a crack. Just keep strengthening and showing up."

The winner will be announced on March 26 and will have the chance to surf it out at the Boost Mobile Pro Trials at Gold Coast on April 2.