The 6'3" goofy-footer from NSW's south coast was a wildcard in the 2008 Rip Curl Pro Search in Indonesia and at this year's Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach event, where he eliminated Kelly Slater in smoking waves during Round 3.

He will join Brazilian Bruno Santos and a local TMN Portuguese Trials winner as one of the three wildcards in the main event.

"I am so excited to get to Peniche and compete in another Rip Curl Pro Search event," said Owen.

"I had an amazing year in Bali last year and I'm frothing on being involved in the event again. I've been to Peniche before and I know just how good Supertubos and that entire area can get for waves, so it's going to be a fun trip."

"My year on the WQS has gone along great and I'm sitting in a great spot for qualification, so any chance I get to compete against the World Tour guys before next year is awesome. I'll get to compete against them here in Portugal and then again in Hawaii at the WQS' there, so it's all valuable experience. There is no pressure on me at all with World Title ratings, so that's in my favor too!"

The draw for the Rip Curl Pro Search has not been set yet, so Owen won't know who he's up against until we're all onsite in Peniche. In the meantime, enjoy some footage of Owen surfing Supertubos thanks to a Vimeo vid posted by P-VIDS. This kid is going to take names...

Owen Wright @ Supertubos from P-VIDS on Vimeo.