Surfing Queensland and Surfing NSW is excited to announce the return of the highly anticipated Australian Open of Surfing (AOS) Tour, presented by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles to the East Coast in 2023, featuring two qualifying rounds – the Coffs Harbour Open and the Sunshine Coast Open before the tour will culminate with a Grand Final to be held at the iconic Bondi Beach.
Following from the success of last year’s series, the AOS will return with high-stakes. The tour will maintain the $50,000 equal prize money across the three events and the single-wave scoring format where the highest scored wave will determine the winner.
The top qualifiers from the two events will be invited to compete at the Better Beer Bondi Open Grand Final, which is set to be held at Bondi Beach, Sunday 12 November, where the winner takes all, walking away with a $10,000 cheque.
Surfing Queensland Chief Executive Officer, Adam Yates, said the 2022 AOS tour introduced a new level of intensity to competition with the single-wave scoring format, increase in prize money and is excited to see that continue in 2023.
“The 2022 AOS was an unparalleled experience for both athletes and spectators,” said Yates. “Alongside Surfing NSW, we inaugurated a non-traditional heat-format with surfers best single-wave score making up their final heat placing rather than two-waves. The tour also saw a huge prize pool of $50,000, a significant amount to provide opportunity and support aspiring Australian surfers in their campaign to become professional surfers. We’re expecting bigger and better things for 2023 and we can’t wait for the tour to kick off in October!”
The series layout provides 48 spots in each qualifying round, providing ample opportunities for aspiring surfers to showcase their skills and progress through the competition. The best of the best will earn their place in the grand final, where they will have the chance to compete for the prestigious title and the attractive prize of $10,000.
The first qualifying event will kick off in Coffs Harbour on Saturday 14 October to present surfers with their first opportunity to secure their spot in the grand final. The second event will be held on the Sunshine Coast on the 28 October. Surfers are encouraged to compete in both qualifying rounds to secure a position in the Grand Final.
Surfing NSW CEO, Luke Madden, expressed his excitement for the 2023 AOS tour. “The 2022 AOS Tour was a huge success thanks to the support of local communities, event partners and participants,” said Madden. “It’s such an exciting format that takes our surfers to some amazing spots to compete in both New South Wales and Queensland. We can’t wait to host the Grand Final again at Bondi Beach for the 2023 AOS finale where we’ll once again bring together epic surfing and provide plenty of entertainment for spectators.”
For more information and updates on the 2023 Australian Open of Surfing, please visit the official Surfing Queensland and Surfing NSW website.
The 2023 Australian Open of Surfing is proudly supported by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Coffs Harbour Council, Better Beer, Mad Mex and Mambo.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Australian Open of Surfing Tour, presented by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
Qualifier One: Coffs Harbour Open
14 October
Prize Money Breakdown: Equal Men and Women
1st Place $2,000.00
2nd Place $1,500.00
3rd Place $1,000.00
4th Place $500.00
Qualifier Two: Sunshine Coast Open
28 October
Prize Money Breakdown: Equal Men and Women
1st Place $2,000.00
2nd Place $1,500.00
3rd Place $1,000.00
4th Place $500.00
Better Beer Bondi Open: Grand Final
Saturday 11 November
Prize Money Breakdown: Equal Men and Women
1st Place $10,000.00
2nd Place $1,000.00
3rd Place $750.00
4th Place $500.00
$250 for all Grand Final competitors who do not place
