A lay day has been called due to strong on-shore winds at the World Surf League's Margaret River Pro.

Women's first-round heats were completed in tricky conditions on Monday.

The men's action won't begin until at least Wednesday after organisers made the call early on Tuesday morning to wait for better conditions.

A host of Australian men and women, including seven-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore who advanced to round three by finish second in her opening heat, are chasing good results at the West Australian event to avoid the new mid-season cut.

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