WSL events on hold on Gold Coast

Tyler Wright will have to wait at least another day to start the defence of her women's surfing world title after a lay day was called on the opening day of the World Surfing League season on the Gold Coast.

WSL officials announced on Tuesday morning there wouldn't be any competition on the first day of the event window for the Roxy Pro and men's Quiksilver Pro at Snapper Rocks.

An increase in swell is likely to mean both events will start on Thursday or Friday.

"It is not great out there this morning," said WSL commissioner Kieren Perrow.

"There is a lot of windswell, really short period, so the conditions are not ideal right now.

"Thursday onward is looking really good, so hopefully we will get underway on Thursday and if not then, into Friday."

When competition starts, 22-year-old Australian Wright will take on compatriots Nikki Van Dijk and Alyssa Lock in round one while six-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore takes on Hawaiian Malia Manuel and American Lakey Peterson.

In the Quiksilver Pro, John John Florence begins his title defence against Australians Connor O'Leary and Mikey Wright.

Gold Coast favourite Mick Fanning, is his full-time return to the world tour, battles Kelly Slater and Jeremy Flores in heat seven.