ASB MAGAZINE: The Gold Coast Open presented by Flight Centre is set to kick off this Tuesday, and will see surfers from all over the globe battling it out for valuable World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) points. The event includes a WSL QS 1,500 rated event, as well as a WSL Junior Qualifying Series event and will run over 6 full days from the 7th to the 12th of May.
2017 event champion Isabella Nichols (Sunshine Coast, QLD) is looking forward to the event.
“It’s always a sick vibe at Burleigh,” said Nichols. “To be able to surf Burleigh with 3 other people is awesome. There are always so many people on the hill watching, and so many things going on. Burleigh is a great wave, I have lots of good memories surfing there as a kid.”
2017 Event winner Oney Anwar (Gold Coast, QLD) is excited to surf next week.
“I’m very excited for this event, the waves are always fun,” said Anwar. “The event is pretty special to me, because Burleigh is my second home. It’s such a perfect location for a surf contest. I’m definitely looking forward to competing next week.”
A 4-foot Easterly swell is likely to stick around for the start of competition on Tuesday, along with light variable winds.
Previous winners of the Gold Coast Open presented by Flight Centre (formerly Burleigh Pro) include names like Taj Burrow, Julian Wilson, Dimity Stoyle, Owen Wright, Kobie Enright, Mitch Crews and Isabella Nichols. The event is known for attracting surfers from all corners of the globe including Indonesia, North America, France, Brazil and Japan.
Previous event winner and 2018 World Surf League (WSL) number 2 ranked surfer in the world Julian Wilson (Coolum Beach, QLD) holds fond memories of the event.
“Burleigh is one of the jewels of the East Coast and I think it’s really cool that there’s a QS there,” said Wilson. “That year when I did it and had success was a nice jolt to kick my year off in the right direction.”
Surfing Queensland CEO Adam Yates is stoked to be hosting the 2019 Gold Coast Open presented by Flight Centre.
“Re-naming the Burleigh Pro allows for countless new possibilities,” said Yates. “The potential for the event to grow into something much larger and well-known is sure to become evident with the re-brand. With the increase in WSL Qualifying Series rating points from 1,000 to a 1,500, as well as the inclusion of the WSL Pro Junior event, skateboarding event and live music, there’s potential for the Gold Coast Open to become internationally renowned.”
Queensland’s Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the Gold Coast was world-renowned for its surf breaks and beach lifestyle.
“Burleigh is a wonderful home for this event, and the name change will bring the global appeal of one of Australia’s most recognisable tourism destinations with it,” Ms Jones said. “Hosting the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games cemented our position as a world-class event host and I look forward to welcoming talented surfers from around the world to the 2019 Gold Coast Open.”
This year will again host an open Men’s and Women’s division, as well as the introduction of the Pro Junior Men’s and Women’s event. As an added value, attendees can look forward to other attractions including live bands, skateboarding event and Mother’s Day sunrise yoga sessions.
The 2019 Gold coast Open will run from May 7 – 12. You can watch all of the action LIVE via worldsurfleague.com or on the WSL App.
VIA PRESS RELEASE
