GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND (Sunday 18 February 2024) – Queenslander, Alister Reginato, claimed victory in a thrilling final against his Sunshine Coast training partner, Cooper Davies. The 2024 Gold Coast OpenWorld Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 1000 Finals Day saw pumping 3-4ft surf at Burleigh Heads. The winner’s in both the shortboard and longboard QS divisions overcame a huge field of Australia and Ocenaia’s best up-and-coming surfers on their way to claim the top spot.
It was another glorious summer day on the Gold Coast, continuing the streak of exceptional waves for the final day of the event. The conditions were favourable in the morning with little to no wind, creating a dream scenario to conclude the three-day event.
Alister Reginato recently got runner-up in the BYD Pro URBNSURF QS 3000 and stated at the pre-event media call how much he wanted to win a QS event this year. Everything came full circle, with all eyes on the water for an epic final showdown.
“I’m frothing to win this event because I’ve been runner up in the last three events I’ve done so this is amazing for me,” said Reginato. “It was a great final with Cooper and the quality of waves were unbelievable across all three days.”
Ellie Harrison and Nyxie Ryan went head-to-head in an exhilarating women’s shortboard QS final. Ryan managed to get the win in critical afternoon conditions, with her highest wave score of 8.67 solidifying victory.
“The waves were so fun and it was amazing to have Burleigh Point with only one other surfer in the water with me,” said Ryan. “I’d to thank my family and everyone who has supported me, as well as Surfing Queensland and the WSL for putting on the event.”
The first competitor to claim victory today was Tully White in the first ever women’s longboard QS event at Burleigh Heads. In a nail-biting final which saw Kirra Molnar snap her board mid-heat, White narrowly got the win against fierce competition including standout performer, Emma Perrier.
“I was so nervous in the last few minutes of the heat. I needed a good back-up score and I’m really happy a wave came through foe me,” said White. “It was so great to be involved and have the opportunity to surf an empty Burleigh Heads lineup.”
The men’s longboard final followed, with an intense four-man heat with all eyes on 3x World Longboard Champion, Taylor Jensen (USA) and 2x Australian Longboard Champion, Declan Wyton (AUS). Declan Wyton ended up winning the day, with an impressive heat score of 17.00 (out of a possible 20) with his best wave scoring a near perfect 9.50 (out of a possible 10).
“It was a great event and I’m stoked to have beaten three-time world Taylor Jensen in the final, he’s such an amazing surfer,” said Wyton. “I’m glad I was able to be apart of the first-ever longboard QS event at Burleigh Heads.”
In conjunction with the 2024 Gold Coast Open, Burleigh Hill provided two jam-packed nights of entertainment. The free events included live music, food trucks, skate clinics and pro demonstrations on Chiggy’s skate ramp and a pop-up beach bar serving Vodka Soda & and Travla.
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.
