Excitement is mounting as professional surfing makes its return to the iconic Burleigh Heads, with the much-anticipated 2024 Gold Coast Open set to kick off tomorrow. Surfers hailing from all corners of Australia are gearing up to battle it out for crucial World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) points in what promises to be a hugely successful event.
Scheduled as the second Australian QS event of the year, this edition of the Gold Coast Open will also witness the inauguration of the Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS) divisions at Burleigh Heads, adding an extra layer of thrill and anticipation to the event.
Among the notable contenders in the Longboard QS category are three-time World Longboard Champion Taylor Jensen from the USA and Queensland’s own longboarding sensation, Kirra Molnar.
Alister Reginato, a local talent, emerges as one of the frontrunners to watch closely following his impressive second-place finish in the BYD Pro URBNSURF QS 3000. With his sights firmly set on clinching victory on home turf, Reginato expressed his eagerness for the competition ahead. “I am very keen to surf Burleigh this weekend, and the waves look like they’re going to be pumping,” said Reginato. “I hope to secure a win. In the past few competitions, I have come second and third twice, so I am excited to battle it out with the best surfers in the country.”
Dimity Stoyle, a former Championship Tour (CT) surfer and previous Gold Coast Open victor, shares Reginato’s enthusiasm for the event. Stoyle, expressing her excitement for the exceptional conditions forecasted, remarked, “It’s always fun every year being able to compete against a broad variety of talent at the iconic Burleigh Heads beach.”
Adam Yates, CEO of Surfing Queensland, is brimming with excitement to host the 2024 Gold Coast Open, promising an array of action-packed attractions. “We can’t wait to be hosting some of the world’s best surfers for the 2024 Gold Coast Open at this iconic surf break,” said Yates. “We’re proud to include several other attractions, such as sunrise yoga, a pop-up, beachfront and bar, live music, and even a skate ramp. Burleigh Hill is the perfect natural amphitheatre for the event, and we expect to see crowds flock in bigger numbers than ever before.”
City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate echoed similar sentiments, encouraging locals to witness the spectacle firsthand. “The Gold Coast Open is the return of professional surfing to town, right here at Burleigh Heads,” said Tate. “It’s a three-day celebration of our surf culture and the historical impact that Burleigh Heads has on professional surfing.”
With a rich history of champions gracing its waves, including Queensland legends like Mick Fanning, Julian Wilson, and Ethan Ewing, alongside esteemed CT surfers Sally Fitzgibbons and Owen Wright, the 2024 Gold Coast Open promises to continue this gold coast’s tradition of excellence.
The Gold Coast Open kicks off tomorrow at Burleigh Heads.
The 2024 Gold Coast Open QS 1000 and LQS three day event is slated to run at Burleigh Heads from February 16 to 18, 2024. For those unable to attend in person, live coverage and access to additional information can be found at WorldSurfLeague.com or through the WSL App. As the surfing world converges on Burleigh Heads once again, anticipation is high for a thrilling showcase of talent and skill in the waters of Queensland’s renowned surf haven.
Source: gcmag.com.au
George Barham, an accomplished journalist and avid gambling enthusiast, serves as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief at fly-to-australia.com, Australia’s leading source for comprehensive gambling news and insights. With an unwavering passion for both the written word and the ever-evolving world of betting and gaming, George brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the helm of our editorial team.
