The World Surf League event at Newcastle is on hold after organisers called a lay day for Friday and Saturday.

The Newcastle Cup began on Thursday with Tyler Wright continuing her fine start to the championship with a comfortable round-one heat.

There was also opening-round heats for Olympic-bound duo Stephanie Gilmore and Sally Fitzgibbons at Merewether Beach in a strong opening day for the Australian women's contingent.

While local favourite Ryan Callinan led a group of Australians including Wade Carmichael and Jack Freestone into the men's round of 32, there was disappointment for Julian Wilson.

The Olympic-bound Sunshine Coast product finished third in his all-Australian battle with Ethan Ewing and Carmichael and will have to come through an elimination heat to stay in the competition.

Organisers made the decision to put the event on hold for the next two days early on Friday morning due to poor conditions.

The next call will be on Sunday at 7.15am.