The Red Bull Cape Fear slab surfing competition has been placed on orange alert and could take place on Monday, the site reported. Stab today.

This year's competition, which has moved from Ours in Sydney to Shipstern Bluff in Tasmania, has as its main attraction the recently retired three-time world champion Mick Fanning.

Also appearing on the list are Ross Clarke Jones, Justen Alport, Kai Lenny, Pedro Scooby, Laurie Towner, Ryan Hipwood, Billy Kemper, Nathan Florence, Alex Zawadzki, Daniel Griffiths, Shaun Wallbank, James McKean, James and Tyler Hollmer Cross, Michael Brennan, Zebulon Critchlow, Brook Philips and Marti Paradisis.

There is a clear mix of big riders, slab hunters and Tasmanian locals.

The tournament format calls for the 20 athletes to compete in four heats of five surfers, with each winner of each heat advancing to the grand final where the winner is determined.

The 2016 edition of this tournament, which took place in Ours, saw one of the most impressive events in history. Below are the highlights: