FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gold Coast, Queensland (Sunday, 1st November 2020) – Aaron Kelly (Sunshine Beach) and Dimity Stoyle (Maroochydore) have won the Australian Open of Surfing Gold Coast Pro today, which was held at Duranbah Beach in 2-3 foot offshore conditions.
The women’s final was the first to hit the water with Dimity Stoyle (Maroochydore) putting on an excellent display of strong rail surfing to score a combined two wave heat total of 13.33 out of a possible 20 to claim the Gold Coast Pro Title; defeating Kobie Enright (Coolangatta), Sophie McCulloch (Alexandra Headland) and Raya Campbell (Coolanagatta) respectively.
“I am so happy! That was such a fun day” Said Stoyle.
“My game plan for the final was to wait for the biggest waves to come through as I know how good the other girls surf. I managed to get two really good waves in the heat and I am so stoked to get the win! I am actually DJing at the Burleigh Pavillion tonight, it’s so good to be back both surfing in competitions and DJing after COVID times.”
Two times Red Bull Airborne Qualifier champion Aaron Kelly (Sunshine Beach) took flight in the men’s final, proving why he is one of the world’s leading aerial surfers. Kelly launched an enormous air reverse to earn a 9.87 out of a possible 10 points to take the lead half way through the heat. Kelly was able to back up his near perfect score with a 4.4 to win over Chris Zaffis (Angourie), Alister Reginato (Alexandra Headland) and Quinn Bruce (Coolangatta).
“I have been waiting all day to get an air section like that. To get one in the final was so epic! It scored a near perfect ten so the judges must have really liked that one.” Said Kelly.
“There were so many incredible surfers here and they were all surfing so well. I can’t believe I took the win and it was so awesome having all my friends here to celebrate it with.”
RESULTS:
Open Men:
1st: Aaron Kelly (Sunshine Beach, QLD)
2nd: Chris Zaffis (Angourie, NSW)
3rd: Alister Reginato (Alexandra Headland, QLD)
4th: Quinn Bruce (Coolangatta, QLD)
Open Women:
1st: Dimity Stoyle (Maroochyoore, QLD)
2nd: Kobie Enright (Coolangatta, QLD)
3rd: Sophie McCulloch (Alexandra Headland, QLD)
4th: Raya Campbell (Coolangatta, QLD)
For a detailed list of individual heat scores, click HERE.
Competitors will now head south to Cronulla, NSW on the 8th – 9th November for the Cronulla Open.
2020 Australian Open of Surfing Series Schedule:
Sunshine Coast, Qld – 19th – 20th September 2020
Gold Coast, Qld – 31st October – 1st November 2020
Cronulla – 8th-9th November 2020
Victoria – Date and location TBC
Kiama – 22nd – 23rd November 2020
Coffs Harbour – 29th – 30th November 2020
Northern Beaches – 13th – 14th December 2020
All events will adhere to all COVID-19 policies and regulations outlined by the Queensland Government and council protocols.
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date.
The 2020 Australian Open of Surfing series is proudly supported by Coastalwatch Plus, Surfing World Magazine, H2Coco, The Queensland Government and Surfing Queensland.
