Action is due to take place over 12 days on Jeffrey's Bay in South Africa - a venue which boasts about having the "best wave" in the world.

The 46-year-old American broke his foot at the same event in two places a year ago and many thought he would never return.

It also comes in the same event where Australia's three-time world champion Mick Fanning was attacked by a shark in 2015.

Brazil's world number three Italo Ferreira and Japan's Kanoa Igarashi are opponents for Slater in the opening round. 

Australia's Julian Wilson is the top seed heading into the competition.

Defending champion Felipe Toledo should also feature.

American reigning world champion John John Florence will be absent after he injured his knee free surfing earlier this month.

Four rounds of qualifying action will take place before quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals.