World No.2 Joel Parkinson says the class of 2012 could be the best the men’s surfing tour has seen.

With an extraordinary lineup of talent for the Quiksilver Pro starting on Saturday, Parkinson says the championship is poised for one of its most exciting years.

The local favourite at Snapper Rocks says with young talent like 17-year-old Kolohe Andino from California and 18-year-old Brazilian Gabriel Medina coming through, the competition will be tight.

“I think they will all live up to the hype. The way the tour is, there are a lot of events in really good waves so I think one of the scariest blokes will be John John Florence,” Parkinson said of the 19-year-old Hawaiian surfer who is tipped for big things in the sport.

Then there’s 11-time world champion Kelly Slater who, despite turning 40 on February 11, is showing no signs of slowing down.

“He’s a freak … unbelievable and just an amazing human, so in tune with his body and so in tune with everything around him.”

Parkinson said he’s much more relaxed heading into Saturday’s opening competition of the year.

“For the last few years, I’ve been going so hard, five or six days a week with a full-on regime, living and breathing training and getting fit.

“I’m still training, doing two or three days here and there, but I’m just more focused on enjoying my surfing.

“I’ve picked a few new boards up and probably been through about 10 out of the 12. I’m down to about four really good gems that I could easily start the year with, which I’m pretty happy about.

“Now we’re just hoping for some waves at Snapper.”