GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND (Thursday 22 April 2021) – Queensland’s highest profile surfing event of 2021, the Gold Coast Open, is set to run at Burleigh Heads from 1-3 May.
This year’s Gold Coast Open will include a mixture of upcoming talent, current high performers and past champions, including Kehu Butler (NEW ZEALAND), Molly Picklum (TERRIGAL), Mitch Crews (COOLANGATTA), Sophie McCulloch (MAROOCHYDORE) and India Robinson (TORQUAY), with more to follow. Prize money for the surfing event is at $20,000.
In a first for the Gold Coast Open, a Longboard Invitational contest will be included, featuring some of Australia’s finest loggers, including sisters Emily and Charlotte Lethbridge (NOOSA), Harley Ingleby (EMERALD BEACH) and Bowie Pollard (CALOUNDRA), all vying for $4,000 in prize money.
In addition to the competition in the water, there’s plenty happening for spectators and fans on land. Stab is running its famed Electric Acid Surfboard Test during the event, which will pair world-class surfers with cutting-edge surfboards in a new and exciting format. Expect to see local superstars Josh Kerr, Mitch Crews, Asher Pacey, Lungi Slabb, Louie Hynd and Harley Walters. Stay tuned for more big names to be released.
Stab will be showing its Stab In The Dark surf film on the big screen, showcasing former world number two Taj Burrow riding a range of mystery surfboards. Gold Coast local Dan Scott will also be showing his newly released film ‘Surfing’.
Level Up Skatepark and Training Facility will be delivering free skate clinics and BMX demonstrations on dedicated ramps. Athletes include Olympic ranked skater, Dani Campbell, and former world BMX champion, Logan Martin, plus loads more.
Sunrise yoga sessions with Karalee Reed will run each morning of the event, and there’ll be live music in the afternoons with Jack Botts and Ondre Davis.
Previous winners of the Burleigh-based event include Queenslanders Julian Wilson and Isabella Nichols, as well as other World Championship Tour surfers Taj Burrow, Sally Fitzgibbons and Owen Wright.
Surfing Queensland will be arranging a pre-event media call at Burleigh Point, likely to be held on Friday 30 April. More information to be issued next week.
The 2021 Gold Coast Open is proudly supported by Tourism and Events Queensland, Major Events Gold Coast, Mt Elephant, Hit 90.9, Level Up Skatepark and Training Facility, Stab Mag and QMS Media.
For more information on the event, please visit the 2021 Gold Coast Open webpage, and follow Surfing Queensland on social media.
SCHEDULE
SATURDAY 1 MAY
Men Surfing: 8:00AM – 1:00PM
Longboard Invitational: 2:00PM – 4:00PM
Live Music (Ondre Davis): 4:00PM – 6:00PM
Cinema (‘Surfing’ by Dan Scott): 6:00PM – 7:00PM
Skate clinics and BMX demonstrations throughout the day
SUNDAY 2 MAY
Women Surfing: 8:00AM – 11:00AM
Men Surfing: 11:00AM – 1:00PM
STAB Electric Acid Surfboard Test: 1:00PM – 3:00PM
Live Music (Jack Botts): 4:00PM – 6:00PM
Cinema (STAB In The Dark with Taj Burrow): 6:00PM – 7:00PM
Skate clinics and BMX demonstrations throughout the day
MONDAY 3 MAY
Men Surfing Finals: 8:00AM – 4:00PM
Women Surfing Finals: 8:00AM – 4:00PM
*Daily schedules subject to change
Media Contact
Mitchell Shepherd | Communications Manager | 0418 201 700 | mitchell@surfingqueensland.com.au
