GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND (Saturday 17 February 2024) – The 2024 Gold Coast OpenWorld Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 1000 has seen a massive day of competition in clean 3-4ft waves, setting up tomorrow’s Quarterfinals for the men’s and women’s shortboard QS.
The longboard QS at Burleigh Heads had its debut heats in sizeable afternoon conditions, with the men’s Round of 24 and the women’s Quarterfinals.
The stage is set for Finals Day tomorrow with the swell expected to continue delivering perfect conditions for Australia’s and Oceania’s best elite surfers.
Tim Bain displayed exceptional talent, getting the highest wave score of the event with a near perfect 9.60 (out of a possible 10) for his barrel ride.
“I took off on one right out the point and wasn’t expecting it to barrel like it did,” said Bain. “Suddenly, I was deep in the tube and I am so stoked to have made it out. After today’s epic run of swell, I can’t wait to see what tomorrow will be like!”
Stand-out performer, Alister Reginato, made it through to the Quarterfinals with his hopes set on claiming victory after getting runner-up in the BYD Pro URBNSURF QS 3000.
“I felt like yesterday I was constantly trying to pull into barrels, so I wanted to add more variety to my surfing today,” said Reginato. “I was trying to follow Maddy Job around because he knows Burleigh so well! It seems to have paid off and I’m glad to be in the Quarterfinals.”
Emma Perrier narrowly got the win in the women’s longboard Quarterfinals against Lucy Small. She expressed her excitement about being apart of the first ever longboard QS event at Burleigh Heads.
“I must say, when I was watching the waves at Burleigh yesterday it looked pretty terrifying for a longboarder,” said Perrier. “I live 20-minutes away from Burleigh, so it is exciting to surf it with just three people in the water! Today’s win means a lot to me and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
Tomorrow we’ll see the final day of the 2024 Gold Coast Open. Come on down to Burleigh Heads to see the competitors pack on the heat and crown our event champions.
Chiggy’s Skateboarding provided endless entertainment for spectators and participators, with impressive pro demonstrations and skate clinics.
The afternoon will see Burleigh Hill come alive with a free concert and beach bar open until 8:30pm.
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.
