GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND (Friday 12th March 2021) – Surfing Queensland is set to host a new-look Gold Coast Open at Burleigh Heads from 1-3 May.
Holding a special place in the hearts of many and recognised as one of surfing’s most iconic locations, Burleigh Headland will play host once more to the Gold Coast Open, one of surfing’s most anticipated annual events.
Known as the surfing event with a lot on offer, spectators can expect a celebration of the Gold Coast’s unique coastal lifestyle, including music, cinema, yoga and skate.
The World Surf League’s decision to remove its sanction from the Gold Coast Open has led to a number of innovative changes. Some of surfing’s most talented athletes will compete for a share of $20,000 prize money on offer in the elite shortboard division, and this year a longboard invitational has been added to the schedule with a prize purse of $4,000.
Days will begin with sunrise yoga, with free classes available to the public. There’ll also be skateboarding clinics running throughout, as well as skate and BMX demonstrations. Local flavour will be the theme of this year’s afternoon acoustic music sets, with the line-up of talent being announced shortly.
In addition, the 2021 Gold Coast Open will feature a live version of Stab Media’s Electric Acid Surfboard Test, whereby an array of surfing’s most noteworthy personalities will be invited to sample a diverse range of custom shapes, sourced from local shapers as well as those from further abroad.
Burleigh outdoor cinema will feature Stab In The Dark, live, large and free on Burleigh’s natural amphitheatre. Taj Burrow stars in this year’s showcase, whereby he rides an array of mystery surfboards crafted by the world’s best shapers.
Surfing Queensland CEO, Adam Yates, said the event will provide both high-quality surfing action and plenty of entertainment for the local Gold Coast community and travelling intra and interstate visitors.
“Surfers and spectators can expect a bigger and better event this year. We’re introducing a number of changes to the surfing competition itself, as well as a range of activities and entertainment that will coincide with the contest and make for a memorable experience.”
“Burleigh Heads is one of surfing’s most prestigious locations, rich in history and provides the perfect platform to host our event. Surfing Queensland has been growing the Gold Coast Open year on year, and we can’t wait to get this year’s new-look contest started,” he said.
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, Mick Fanning and Owen Wright.
The 2021 Gold Coast Open is proudly supported by Tourism and Events Queensland, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Queensland Government, Gold Coast City Council, Stab Mag, Mt Elephant and Level Up Skatepark. For more information on the event, please visit the 2021 Gold Coast Open webpage, and follow Surfing Queensland on social media.
