GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND (Friday 16 February 2024) – The waves were pumping at Burleigh Heads for Day One of the 2024 Gold Coast Open, with plenty of exception surfing and spectacle for both competitors and viewers.
The rain didn’t stop surfers from putting on a masterful display of talent in excellent 4-5ft clean conditions, with the forecast looking to improve over the weekend and make for an exciting finals day.
One of the standout performers in the men’s was Challenger Series competitor George Pittar (Aus), who claimed the win after taking some time out of competition, progressing into the Round of 32.
“I was looking at it before my heat and watching fellow competitors getting high scores, so I was very eager to get out there,” said Pittar. “I felt like I was a bit out of rhythm after not competing for a while, but I am really glad to have got through to the next round.”
Defending champion and Burleigh boardrider, Isla Huppatz, won her heat with the highest heat total in the women’s round of 32 with 13.16 (out of a possible 20).
“Last year’s Gold Coast Open was only 1-2ft, so it is great to surf all time conditions at the point,” said Huppartz. “It was definitely a tough heat, everyone was ripping out there! I can’t wait until the next round and I look forward to seeing what Burleigh will bring tomorrow.”
The men’s Round of 64 took to the water in the afternoon which saw plenty of exciting surfing to conclude the first day of competition. Stand out performances included Byron Bay local, Kyuss King, Jack Thomas, Xavier Huxtable and recent social media sensation, Dane Henry.
With the excellent swell continuing and plenty of sunshine on the way, it is shaping up to be an action-packed weekend of surfing and activities for spectators to enjoy.
The afternoon will see Burleigh Hill come alive with a free concert and beach bar open until 8:30pm. Chiggy’s Skateboarding will commence tomorrow with a mix of skate clinics, free skating and pro demonstrations.
The 2024 Gold Coast Open is supported by the WSL, Experience Gold Coast and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.
Surfing Queensland would like to thank it’s corporate event partners for their ongoing support including, Suzuki Queensland, Travla, Dritimes, QMS, We Are Feel Good Inc, Ancestral Nutrition, Shade Eyewear, Blackroll, Vodka Soda &, Plow Surf Co.
