While the Australian men dominated, winning almost every heat, two-time world champion Wright was ousted in the elimination round.

The 28-year-old finished last in her opening heat, won by hometown favourite Teresa Bonvalot, as the event started on Saturday after three days of delays.

She then faced a sudden-death round heat, taken out by compatriot Sally Fitzgibbons, with Wright a distant third behind American Caitlin Simmers.

Defending world champion Stephanie Gilmore moved safely through to round three, placing second in her heat behind another Australian, Sophie McCulloch.

Fellow Australian Molly Picklum, who is co-rankings leader with Hawaiian veteran Carissa Moore, also finished second in her heat.

In the men's event, rankings leader Jack Robinson was one of five Australians to win their opening heat.

The West Australian won a tight battle with Hawaiian Barron Mamiya and Portugal's Frederico Morais.

Queensland's Ethan Ewing opened the day with an impressive win over Costa Rica's Carlos Munoz while American legend Kelly Slater was relegated to the elimination round.

Other Australian heat winners included Connor O'Leary, Liam O'Brien and Ryan Callinan.

The men's elimination round is set down for Monday local time when organisers hope for more consistent conditions.

Australian Associated Press