SOME of the world's best longboarders lined up on Cudgen Headland Surf Life Saving Club's verandah this morning.

Each was impatient to spend some time watching the long, slow-breaking wave cruising past the surf club and imagine themselves on its face

But first they had to help launch the 2012 Kingscliff Australian Longboard Surfing Open.

Event director Sean McKeown asked 2010 world champion Jen Smith how difficult defeating Kingscliff's own world number four Chelsea Williams on her home break would be.

"Chelsea's tough anywhere," Ms Smith said.

Mr McKeown said Ms Williams was a "dynamic" surfer and both rivalries and friendships were the reason for such a strong showing during the competition.

American and current world champion Taylor Jensen spends half his year in this area because of its quality surf and that his girlfriend lives in Yamba.

"All these guys bring me here," Mr Jensen said as he looked around the table.

"You really get the opportunity to go up against the top guys as these guys have grown up with surfing from a young age, and everybody lives near the coast."

Australian Stand Up Paddle (SUP) champion, world number two and local Justin Holland said Kingscliff had a secret to share.

"A lot of people do come here on the weekend," he said.

"But just over the Tweed River: it's like another country and, I don't know, maybe some people are just too lazy.

"I love it; it's not Snapper (Rocks) but when it's good, it's good."

Mr McKeown said about 150-170 competitor entries were down on 2011 and 20-30 SUP'ers would be competing.

"This is the inaugural Kingscliff Australian Longboard Surfing Open, taking over from Malfunction which will continue on the Gold Coast during May.

"We've cut out the over-60s this year, and we're aiming at a younger demographic - that's why we brought in the nose riding."

He said former World SUP Woman of the Year Candice Appleby would be there riding an alaia - a very thin, finless longboard.

"She's won open divisions against men, races against men, old mals, retro and noseriders against guys, and she's in her mid-20s," Mr McKeown said.

"She came out a couple of years ago and everyone loves her.

"She's an incredible Amazon tall strong woman - she's done the red hair and freckles like no-one else; she's gorgeous."

The open from Wednesday through to Sunday will also feature a music festival, classic cars, lifestyle market stalls, art, cooking demonstrations and movies.

Visit australianlongboardopen.com for more information.