Surfs up dude!
Surfs up dude!
Surfing is an intrinsic part of life here on the Gold Coast. We’ve bred champions, have ourselves a world surfing reserve on our doorstep, and thousands of people hit the water on a weekly basis in search of watery rides.
For those who do surf, have you ever considered entering yourself into a competition? Probably the last thing you have in mind is competing against a horde of seriously talented individuals — because there are plenty — when you can have plenty of fun without the pressure.
But what if we were to tell you a surf competition is coming to the Coast this summer, which is turning this connotation entirely on its head?
Red Bull Foam Wreckers is a unique surf contest that has been touring the beaches of the US, and this summer is making its way down under. In this contest, all participants (16 yrs.+) will be surfing foam boards, and unlike other Red Bull surf events – you do not need to be a pro or a big wave surfer to join in!
The rules are you have to surf a soft-top board, and you win points by being the most creative and having the most fun on the waves – we’re talking board transfers, switch tricks, doubles, and headstands will all score well. Oh, and those who come in fancy dress will also be rewarded.
Before your “heat”, you will spin the “Wheel of Shred” to determine which soft-board model (supplied) you’re going to RIP on. You’ll paddle out with up to 8 of your closest (new) friends all on different soft-boards and proceed to stake your claim as the most “unique” soft-board surfer!
And contestants could be surfing against the likes of Mick Fanning as he is joining in on the fun — imagine saying you surfed a competitive heat against a three-time world champion?! It’s not every day this opp comes along.
The series has already kicked off over in WA with a massive turnout, and will make its way to Manly Beach NSW on the 12th of February and finally to Burleigh Heads on the 19th.
To see full details and how you can enter, head to the Red Bull Foam Wreckers website!
When: Saturday the 19th of February
Where: Burleigh Heads Beach
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
The Endless Surf Wave Lagoon could soon be a reality.
We are all quite familiar with the fact we live on a coastline fairly famous for its surf. So famous in fact, part of it is named one of only nine world surfing reserves. There’s also the part where it breeds world champions like no one’s business.
What happens though when the winds turn onshore, or (God forbid) we have ourselves a flat spell? Doesn’t bear thinking about, does it?
There’s been talk about a surf wave pool coming to the Gold Coast for a few years now and while it seems like an inevitability at some point in the near future, we can excitedly say that the ‘Endless Surf Wave Lagoon’ — part of a proposed world-class integrated golf and surf resort at Parkwood Village — is about to quell all the waiting and could very much be a reality sooner rather than later.
The proposed plans will complement the Community HUB & High-Performance Centre at Parkwood Village, with the addition of a beach-like lagoon offering quality waves to suit all abilities, from beginner to professional, come rain or shine, 365 days a year!
Endless Surf will be manufactured by WhiteWater West, a world-renowned Canadian-based wave pool and water park developer. WhiteWater West have their sights firmly set on being a global leader in this industry by announcing surf park projects in Paris, the Dominican Republic, Vietnam and more.
Offering safe, predictable, and quality waves up to an impressive 2.4 metres in size in a completely controlled environment, the Endless Surf Pool is set to encompass a natural shape that provides a large ‘beachfront’ for that genuine surf feel. The pool will be complemented by the existing golf course, approved future resort hotel, and some great food and beverage facilities.
The Club at Parkwood Village is a fairly well-established leisure destination located in the centre of the Gold Coast, and only 10 minutes from Surfers Paradise, it’s easy for everyone to get to.
Parkwood Village managing director Luke Altschwager said they will spend the next few months working with the community and local council reconfiguring the current approval to accommodate the Endless Surf Wave Lagoon and upgrades to the golf course.
“There is nothing more quintessentially Australian than surfing. We want to make sure Parkwood becomes the heart of sport here on the Gold Coast,” Altschwager said.
“Couple this with a multi-million dollar make-over to the 18-hole golf course and a beautiful family resort, it will be a game-changer!
“The hope is that by 2023, Parkwood Village will be an exciting sports and family venue, which will be renowned across Australia, and training the next generation of world golf, rugby league and surfing champions.”
Lookout Gold Coast, looks like surfing could soon be done both at our beautiful beaches and in-land!
Words by Alex Mitcheson
World-class waves await.
Learning to surf is practically a rite of passage on the Gold Coast. With year-round warmth and world-class breaks dotted along the coastline, there’s no better place to give it a go. In honour of that, here are five local spots that both Gold Coasters and out-of-towners love to surf.
Get out there, frothers.
Kicking off with four surf breaks in one, The Superbank is a high-performance surfing mecca and home to some of the longest waves in the world. Man-made by sand dredging from the Tweed River, it offers a mix of waves for every level. The crowds demand patience here, and when the swell’s up, it’s best for beginners to sit on the sand and enjoy the show.
Snapper Rocks dishes out crisp barrels for seasoned surfers, while Rainbow Bay is ideal for beginners and longboarders with long, cruisy walls. Greenmount is more user-friendly than Snapper, but the sweep can make paddling back out challenging. Kirra itself is another consistent but crowded break with a shifting sand bottom. Bring your good vibes and you’re sure to have a whale of a time.
Where: Marine Parade and Snapper Rocks Road, Coolangatta
The waves that break off Burleigh Headland make up one of the Coast’s most-loved surf spots. When it’s on, it’s packed with everyone from novices to pros, plus plenty of photographers perched on the hill. Experienced surfers jump in from the rocks on the northern side of the point, while beginners can paddle out from the beach and sit wide in the smaller reforms.
Where: Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Where the creek meets the sea lies Currumbin Alley, one of the most scenic spots on the Coast and a favourite for beginners and longboarders. The bay usually serves up mellow waves, with plenty of groms in the shallows giving it a go. If you’re keen to learn but haven’t yet worked up the courage, the Alley is the perfect launchpad.
Where: Northern end of Currumbin Beach
Duranbah (or D-bah to locals) is technically in NSW, but we’ll claim it anyway. You’ll find both lefts and rights, generally suited to surfers with some experience. Even on smaller days, there’s usually something punchy and fun to play with. It’s also a great spot to sit on the sand and watch more seasoned surfers to pick up tips.
Where: Coral Street, North Tweed
Some say South Straddie is the best beach break on the Coast thanks to its A-frame peaks and swell-magnet reputation. You’ll need a boat to get there, but the reward is a peaceful stretch of surf-soaked paradise with kilometres of untouched beach.
Where: Across the bar from The Spit (Southport)
If you’re after something more relaxed, there are countless beach breaks up and down the Coast perfect for practicing the basics. Always be aware of other surfers and brush up on surf etiquette before paddling out.
And if lessons are on the cards, Hang Ten Co at Bilinga, Currumbin Alley Surf School and Surf Easy at Currumbin Alley, Kirra Point Surf School in Kirra, Go Ride A Wave at Coolangatta, Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise will get you up and riding.
Words by Lisette Drew
The Gold Coast's first surf park will be a reality in 2023.
You may remember we reported a little while back on the development of something incredibly audacious and never seen before on the Gold Coast by Parkwood Village. The plans were set in motion for an ultra-modern, multi-million dollar surf pool and golf precinct. We’re talking about the kind of place that would produce some severe FOMO and envy from our southern neighbours (if they didn’t feel this way already!?)
So, things have progressed. Parkwood Village is excited to announce the a change of lodgement will see Parkwood become a significant tourism destination, with a first-class 18-hole golf course, as well as the Gold Coast’s first surf park, the ‘Endless Surf Wave Lagoon’.
Meaning when the waves aren’t firing down the beach, they sure will be here!
Parkwood Village managing director Luke Altschwager said the team has spent the past six months engaging the local community and council representatives to reconfigure the current approval to accommodate the Endless Surf Wave Lagoon and upgrades to the golf course.
“The objective is that by 2023, Parkwood Village will be an exciting sports and family venue that not only adds value to the Gold Coast’s tourism industry, as well as a fun family destination for locals, but also has the facilities to create an elite training environment for athletes across various disciplines,” Mr Altschwager said.
Endless Surf will be manufactured by WhiteWorld, a famous Canadian-based wave pool and water park attraction developer. The proposed surf park will be the very first of its kind in Australia. Catering to all levels of surfer, from beginner to professional, everyone will have a chance to experience this unique attraction.
Waves will be produced every 8 seconds, with around 70 people an hour able to enjoy over a dozen waves each.
“The Endless Surf technology is at the forefront of wave pool technologies. The variety and quality of waves are going to truly revolutionise the sport,” Mr Altschwager said.
But this isn’t all. The proposed resort will also have a range of mixed-use facilities, including a hotel with private residences, offices, health, recreation precinct, and a collective food and beverage experience that comprises an extensive casual dining experience with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the wave pool.
How about the chance to sip a cocktail right in front of the surfing action? We can’t think of anywhere else where you can delight yourself in an Espresso Martini whilst people tear apart waves right before your eyes!
The collective hub will incorporate not only food and beverage outlets but also a craft brewery, market-style kitchens, cafés, a bakery and various restaurants – most likely alfresco style ‑ options. Along with these there will also be an event and festival hall, sports bar, gaming lounge, bowling alley and a kids adventure playground. How does that all sound?!
The Club at Parkwood Village is already a well-established leisure destination located in the center of the Gold Coast — and only 10 minutes from Surfers Paradise. Yet, once this work comes to completion, the outlook for Parkwood in 2023 is already looking mighty fine.
When: 2023 is the proposed completion date.
Where: 76-122 Napper Road, Parkwood
Words by Alex Mitcheson.
