The world's top five female surfers will go head to head off Manly in what will be a thrilling curtain-raiser to the start of this year's World Championship Tour.

Six-time world champion and current No.1 Gilmore will be do battle with compatriots Tyler Wright, ranked second, and Sally Fitzgibbons, ranked fourth, during the nine-day event.

Also fighting for the title will be last year's winner, Hawaiian Carissa Moore, and fellow American Malia Manuel.

Wright said the competition in the women's pool was intense and the title was anyone's for the taking.

"I think everyone, the whole tour, is just on fire right now. It's such a solid team," Wright said.

"It's so fantastic and I feel it's what we've all been striving for. It's what you want."

The 20-year-old said she had no particular strategy for the competition but had been working hard to shape up after Christmas and New Year celebrations.

"It's the first prime event of the year. I'm stoked that all the girls are doing it, it's sick," Wright said.

"I did a lot of relaxing in Hawaii and now we're well into the new year, I'm back to training and all that fun."

Three-time world champion Fanning, who finished as runner-up in last year's championship race, will be the only top-10 surfer to compete in the men's field.

Closest to him is world No.11 Kolohe Andino from California.

Fellow Australian Matt Banting, who won both the open and junior division in 2012, will return to the sands of Manly to try toclaim another title.

It will kick off a big year for the 20-year-old, who is making his debut on the World Championship Tour.

Australians Adrian Buchan, Kai Otton, Bede Durbidge and Kai Hing, who gained wildcard entry, will also compete.

The event, which is free and open to the public, runs from February 7 to 15.

The World Championship Tour kicks off late next month with the first three legs to be held in Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia.