Women's world surfing title contenders

WHO TO LOOK OUT FOR IN THE RACE FOR THE WOMEN'S WORLD SURFING CROWN IN 2016.

STEPHANIE GILMORE (Aus)

Best finish: Champion (2007-10, 2012, 2014)

Missed most of last year with a knee injury but the bubbly Gilmore says she's back to full fitness as she chases a record-equalling seventh championship. A fierce competitor behind the smiles, Gilmore will relish taking on such a strong field in 2016.

CARISSA MOORE (USA)

Best finish: Champion (2011, 13, 15)

Pint-sized but powerful, Hawaiian Moore made a dominant start to 2015, winning the opening two events of the season. Only 23, Moore is now a triple championship winner with the record to match her prodigious talent.

SALLY FITZGIBBONS (Aus)

Best finish: Runner-up (2010, 11, 12)

The nearly-woman of world surfing, Fitzgibbons admits the pain of three consecutive runner-up finishes in past titles has made her more determined to go one better. Started slowly last year but a strong finish suggests she's back to her best going into 2016.

TYLER WRIGHT (Aus)

Best finish: Runner-up (2013, 14)

A free spirit with the ability to win heats in a moment, Wright is a competitor none of her rivals want to draw in a knockout round. The Lennox Heads product remains a bit of an enigma but if she can ally consistency with her talent, she's a definite championship contender.

COURTNEY CONLOGUE (USA)

Best finish: Runner-up (2015)

A breakthrough 2015 campaign catapulted the 23-year-old American into the sport's top tier. The challenge now will be backing up that campaign and proving she's no one season wonder.

TATIANA WESTON-WEBB (USA)

Best finish: 8th (2015)

Teen sensation Weston-Webb showed no difficulty adapting to life as a World Surf League competitor, winning the rookie of the year crown easily with an eighth-place finish. Only 19 but with a powerful technique, Weston-Webb could be a darkhorse if she can build on her debut campaign.