It's the first time the 17-year-old has qualified for the prestigious event, after claiming second place at the regional level of competition earlier this year.

And, it will be the last chance he has to fight for the title of best junior surfer in the state.

Fortunately for Willis, the goofy-footer has some serious local knowledge on his side.

The event set to take place in his backyard, right here in the Port Macquarie-Hastings.

"I was pretty happy when I heard the event's coming here," Willis said. "I won't have to travel anywhere and I know the waves, so hopefully I'll be able to surf my best."

Willis and his long-locks are well-known facets of the local line-up.

He's not afraid to charge, and the goofy-footer [also known as Noodles] has an enviable surfing style to match.

Leading up to next week's competition, Willis said he was spending plenty of time getting wet.

He's also picked up a new sponsor in Moment Surfboards.

"I've been in the water a bit and I'm feeling good on my new board," said Willis. "I hope the waves are going to be fun.

"Two to three foot, and punchy with a few barrels would be great."

As for the ideal event location, Willis said either North Wall or Break Wall would be his pick of the spots along the coast.

He's spent plenty of time getting to know the breaks, in his more than seven years of being a surfer.

He tipped home grown talents Jack Clarke (pictured on back) and Ben Howard (pictured on front) as great contenders for next week's battle in the waves.

"They're both surfing really well," Willis said. "I think they've got a good chance in the competition."