Local Sunshine Coast surfers, Coco Cairns and Alister Reginato are victorious at the second qualifying event of the Australian Open of Surfing Tour presented by Volkswagen- the Sunshine Coast Open.
Coolum Beach provided plenty of waves and opportunity for some of Australia’s best professional and aspiring men and women surfers to showcase their progressive surfing and vie for a share of the $50,000 prize pool.
The Sunshine Coast Open inaugurated an exciting new single-wave format, where surfers’ final heat placing will be made up of their best one wave, rather than the traditional two-wave total.
The women’s final was won by local Sunshine Coast surfer Coco Cairns (Tewantin, QLD) with a single wave score of 6.50 (out of a possible 10.00). She took an early lead and dominated the final ahead of Sasha Baker (Mudjimba, QLD), Shyla Short (Austinmer, NSW) and Kyla Whitfield (Warriewood, NSW).
Coco said she was over the moon to take the win today and is looking forward to surfing at the Grand Final at Bondi in a couple of weeks time.
“Winning the $10,000 at the final would be a huge help with travelling and chasing the qualifying series in 2023,” said Cairns. “I really enjoyed the single-wave format, especially in tricky conditions like today.”
In a heated battle for the win, it was Alister Reginato (Alex Headland, QLD) with a single wave score of 6.07 (out of a possible 10.00) who stood his ground and claimed the throne. He beat Luke Brumby (Alex Headland, QLD) (5.83), Cooper Davies (Noosa Heads, QLD) (5.57), Hinata Aizawa (Burleigh Heads, QLD) (5.33).
Alister said the prize money was a huge incentive and definitely pushed him to surf his best today.
“I’m so stoked to win today,” said Reginato. “The prize money means a lot to us surfers as it’s not cheap to compete. We’re super grateful Surfing Queensland and Surfing NSW have put on this tour and the opportunity to win some decent coin. I’ve also really enjoyed the single-wave format, it’s made for a really exciting event.”
Not only will the tour implement a new format, the 2022 tour has seen a significant increase in prize money, with the Sunshine Coast Open winners taking home an equal share in a $10,000 prize pool.
The top 10 male and female surfers from the combined two qualifying events will now be invited to compete at the Bondi Grand Final, to be held at Bondi Beach, Saturday 15 October.
The Bondi Grand Final will see an increase in prize money with $15,000 equal prize money for the men and women winners.
The 2022 Australian Open of Surfing Tour, presented by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is proudly supported by Gage Roads, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and Mad Mex.
In addition to a larger prize purse, thanks to Mad Mex, the Australian Open of Surfing Tour is webcast live through the Australian Open of Surfing Facebook and the overall winners of each event with free Mad Mex burritos for 12 months.
Surfing Queensland would also like to thank the Sunshine Coast Council, The Point Coolum, QMS Media, We Are Feel Good Inc and Queensland Government for their support.
RESULTS
MEN’S FINAL
- Alister Reginato (Alex Headland, QLD)
- Luke Brumby (Alex Headland, QLD)
- Cooper Davies (Noosa Heads, QLD)
- Hinata Aizawa (Burleigh Heads, QLD)
WOMEN’S FINAL
- Coco Cairns (Tewantin, QLD)
- Sasha Baker (Mudjimba, QLD)
- Shyla Short (Austinmer, NSW)
- Kyla Whitfield (Warriewood, NSW)
LEADERBOARD / GRAND FINAL QUALIFIERS
Qualifier Two
Sunshine Coast Open, 1 October 2022
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
Grand Final
Surfboard Empire Bondi Grand Final Open, 15 October 2022
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
Media Contact
Lucy Callister | Media and Communications Manager | 0468 430 759 | comms@surfingqueensland.com.au
