The date move to October has allowed Rip Curl to create a unique waiting period for the women and allowed organisers to extend an invite to surfing's elite female competitors.

The Women's Rip Curl Pro Search will run from October 26 to 30 and be stop 4 of 7 on this year's ASP Women's World Tour calendar.

Reigning two-time ASP Women's World Champion Stephanie Gilmore is excited about heading to Portugal and being part of the 2009 Rip Curl Pro Search:

"The Rip Curl Pro Search has had incredible success since is started, so I think it's awesome that the ASP Women's World Tour is jumping onboard for the adventure. I'm sure it's only going to make the best event on tour, even better!"

Photos: ASP/Cestari/Grambeau