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.
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
Learning to surf is pretty much a rite of passage on the Gold Coast, we’re blessed with (almost) year round warmth, the ocean right on our doorstep and of course, plenty of pumping, world-class surf breaks.
In honour of that, here are five fun spots to go surfing on the Gold Coast.
Get out there frothers.
South Stradbroke Island
Some say South Straddie is the best beach break on the Gold Coast because it’s both a swell magnet and an A-frame (a wave that breaks both ways) and those are two of the best things a wave can be. It’s a bit of a trek to get there – you have to go by boat – but once you do, you’ll be rewarded with a peaceful little slice of paradise with beach stretching for kilometres and not a structure in sight. Lovely.
Where: Across the bar from The Spit (Southport)
Burleigh Point
The waves that break off the headland at Burleigh Heads make up one of the Coast’s most-loved surf spots and when it’s on, it’s usually packed with everyone from novices to the professionals and many a photographer perched up high snapping away. The more experienced surfers jump in from the rocks to the north of Burleigh but you can also paddle out from the beach and stay in closer if you’re just learning.
Where: Goodwin Tce, Burleigh Heads
Currumbin Alley
Where the creek meets the sea at Currumbin is known as Currumbin Alley and not only is it one of the most beautiful spots on the Gold Coast, it is also the perfect little surf spot for beginners and long boarders (mostly). The waves are quite mellow (surf term) and there are often lots of little people in the shallows giving it a go. If you’re keen to try surfing but haven’t yet worked up the courage, Currumbin Alley is one of the best places to start.
Where: The northern end of Currumbin Beach
Duranbah Beach
One of the most popular surf spots on the Gold Coast, D-bah as it’s known to locals is technically in Northern NSW but we will still be claiming it thank you very much. You’ll find both left and right hand waves that are generally more suited to those who have a bit of surfing experience but if that’s you, head down there even if there isn’t much swell, you’ll usually find something fun to play around on. D-bah is also a good place to just hang out and watch those in the know in action, if you’re keen to get some tips.
Where: Coral St, North Tweed
Rainbow Bay / Snapper Rocks
One of the prettiest spots on the Gold Coast, Rainbow Bay has a wave that wraps around almost to Greenmount so once you’re up you can simply (maybe not simply) cruise along for a while taking in the magical views. Snapper Rocks is on the northern side of the bay and it breaks off the point so it’s often bigger and packed with those who definitely know what they’re doing. Choose your own adventure of course, but be mindful of the more experienced surfers if you haven’t been doing it long.
Where: Rainbow Bay, Gold Coast
Of course there are plenty of beach breaks up and down the Coast if you’re just looking for somewhere more relaxed to learn and/or practice. Remember to be aware of the surfers around you and learn a few of the rules about taking waves before you take to the sea.
If surfing lesson are on the cards, Coolangatta Learn to Surf have you covered.
Happy surfing dudes.
Words by Kirra Smith
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.
