The event in 2000, known as the women’s Corona Open J Bay, was won by Hawaiian Megan Abubo and almost two decades on there will be 18 female surfers when the waiting period for the event begins tomorrow.

Gilmore, who is the world number two, will compete alongside fellow Australians Sally Fitzgibbons, Tyler Wright, Bronte Macaulay, Keely Andrew, Nikki Van Dijk and Macy Callaghan.

The 30-year-old is excited to catch a wave at Jeffreys Bay.

“It’s one of the most spectacular places I’ve ever been,” she told AAP.

“I’ve always heard that this wave is easy to surf but it’s hard to surf well, so I’m going to go out there and try to put something beautiful together,” Gilmore said.