February 27 – March 10, 2010
Snapper Rocks, Coolangatta
The first World Tour event of the season, the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast attracts the cream of the world surfing community to Snapper Rocks, Coolangatta, on the Gold Coast.
The 2009 event ran February 28 to March 11, with a prize pool of US$340,000 up for grabs.
Gold Coast surfer Joel Parkinson scored two perfect 10-point rides in epic 3m cyclone surf at Kirra to claim the crown.
And the homegrown advantage is big, with Coolangatta champ Fanning winning in 2007 and 2005, following Joel Parkinson in 2002 and Dean Morrison in 2003 respectively. In fact, Kelly Slater is the only non-Australian to win the event.
It was the first time a World Tour event has been held at the famed right-hand point break in 12 years.
The event is based at Coolangatta and aim to stage the competition at the iconic Snapper Rocks surf break, famous for its Superbank, but it’s a mobile feast. If the waves aren’t working there, organisers have an enviable array of options with Duranbah, Kirra and Burleigh Heads all world class spots close by, both for the competitor and the spectator.
It is a great spectator event because at all venues there are good vantage points from the beach and headlands.
There is loads of accommodation along the Gold Coast strip but as it’s best to book ahead in peak tourist season – check out nearby accommodation options here
The Gold Coast nightlife makes the Quiky Pro a favourite with visiting surfers with plenty of post-surf party places to be found, from Conrad Jupiters casino to the famous nightclub strip off Cavill Mall in Surfers Paradise.
For more, visit http://www.quiksilverpro.com.au/Home.aspx
