Burleigh Heads event marks return of professional surfing to Queensland

The Gold Coast Open - one of surfing’s most anticipated annual events - will once again be hosted at Burleigh Heads, marking the return of professional surfing to Queensland from 30th April to 2nd May 2022.

The three-day event at Burleigh Heads will offer much more than just surfing, making it a renowned event for the region. Spectators will enjoy live music, cinema, sunrise yoga, and of course world-class surfing.

The 2022 Gold Coast Open will see the Australia / Oceania regional World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) return for a QS 1000 rated event, providing one of the first opportunities for competitors to grab points and qualify for the 2023 WSL Challenger Series.

Surfing Queensland Chief Executive, Adam Yates, is excited to see some of surfing’s brightest male and female talent vie for a share of the $20,000 prize pool on offer.

“With both state and international borders opening and easing of restrictions, we’re looking forward to see pro surfing events make a return to the Gold Coast in a somewhat pre-covid ‘normal’ landscape in 2022,” said Yates.

“Burleigh Heads is one of surfing’s most iconic locations, rich in history and provides spectators the perfect natural amphitheatre set-up. Surfing Queensland has been growing the Gold Coast Open year on year, and we can’t wait for the event to showcase both homegrown and international talent.”

One of those vying for critical qualifying points is World Championship Tour hopeful, Sophie McCulloch (Sunshine Coast), who’s already managed to secure a QS 1000 win this year.

“I won my first QS in February (2022) at the Phillip Island Pro, which I’ve gained a lot of confidence out of, mainly in my own ability and preparation," advises McCulloch.

“I’m looking forward to competing at home in Queensland in waves I’m familiar with. Burleigh is not only an excellent wave to surf but always has an exciting energy and atmosphere that’s both enjoyable for competitors and spectators,”

“The 2022 Gold Coast Open will also provide the opportunity to make a solid start to qualify for the 2023 WSL Challenger Series.”

WSL APAC Tour Manager Ty Sorati said it's exciting to have a WSL event back in Burleigh Heads in 2022.

"Burleigh Heads is viewed as one of the best right hand point breaks in the world and will give the region's best up and comers a chance to compete for QS points in world-class waves," said Sorati.

"It's a great time of year for surf on the Gold Coast so we're hoping for incredible conditions for surfers to launch their 2023 Challenger Series qualification campaigns. We'd like to thank Surfing Queensland and our event partners for making this event possible and having the best surfers from Australia / Oceania back to the beautiful Gold Coast." 

Previous winners of the Burleigh-based event include Queenslanders Mick Fanning, Julian Wilson and Isabella Nichols, as well as other World Championship Tour surfers Sally Fitzgibbons, Taj Burrow and Owen Wright.

The 2022 Gold Coast Open is supported by Major Events Gold Coast and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.

Registrations are now available for the 2022 Gold Coast Open at the WSL website

Image: Sophie McCulloch. Credit: Surfing Queensland