A record haul of 71 athletes from 22 nations are due to participate in the event when competition takes place tomorrow.

“Allow me to take this opportunity to express my sincere welcome to all here in Wanning to participate in the 2018 ISA World Longboard Surfing Championship,” said Yu during the Opening Ceremony.

“I would like to congratulate the ISA, the city of Wanning, and the Chinese Extreme Sports Association for getting together to organise this World Championship.

“My appreciation also goes to the ISA for giving China the opportunity to experience the organisation of this Championship. I would like to express my sincere thanks to Hainan province for giving this event strong support.”

Each participating country featured in a "Sands of the Water Ceremony" in which a delegate pours sand from their local beach into a clear container, symbolising the "peaceful gathering of nations of the world through longboard".

ISA executive director Robert Fasulo was also present in the absence of the body's President, Fernando Aguerre.

Heats in the men's division main event will take place tomorrow morning before the women's competition begins in the afternoon.

Competition is due to continue until Thursday (January 25).

Hawaii's Honolua Blomfield, Brazil's Chloe Calmon and American duo Rachel Tilly and Tory Gilkerson are considered leading contenders in the women's event.

In the men's event, the same nations should also figure strongly as Hawaii's Kai Sallas takes on Brazil's Phil Rajzman and United States' Tony Silvagni.

England's Ben Skinner is another contender.