The event begins tomorrow and will run until February 19.

Otton, 32, will join the likes of Joel Parkinson, Taj Burrows and Mark Occhilupo in their first competition of the year.

The Open is a nine-day celebration of youth culture, incorporating surfing, skateboarding and music.

Australian rock band The Living End will headline the music line-up which includes Children Collide, Sneaky Sound System and Bluejuice.

When contacted by the BDN, Otton was sitting on Manly Beach, watching the organisers set up for the Open.

“It’s really exciting,” he said.

“They’re trying to build it up like the US Open which is a massive event.

“I’m looking forward to it – I’m really keen.”

Otton was born and raised in the Bega Valley, learning to surf in Tathra.

He now resides in Queenscliff, Sydney, and said he felt like this was a “home” event.

“It’s the first time in ages I’ve had a competition on my door step and I can sleep in my own bed!” Otton said.

“It’s the first comp in Manly in a long time – since I was a junior probably.”

Otton said he was keen to compete against fellow Aussie Taj Burrows.

Burrows was ranked number three in the 2011 Association of Surf-

ing Professionals (ASP) World Tour.

“Taj is a good friend of mine and we travel together a lot,” Otton said.

“He will be one of the toughest challengers.”

Otton experienced a mixed ASP tour last year, finishing in 33rd spot.

The final event, the Billabong Pipe Masters in Hawaii, was held in December and Otton said he was now preparing for the 2012 tour.

“I haven’t had a comp since Hawaii so I’ve been in pre-season training,” he said.

“I’m trying to get off to a good competition flyer so this will be a good little warm up before the ASP.

“It will be good to get in some heat time.”

During his break, Otton returned to the Bega Valley for a short rest.

Otton said it was good to catch some “really fun waves” with his friends at local beaches.