Gold Coast secures WSL Championship Tour events until 2021

Quiksilver and Roxy Pro

The World Surf League has agreed that the  Quiksilver and Roxy Pro will stay at home on the Gold Coast for another three years.

The Gold Coast will be home to WSL Championship Tour events for another three years, in a deal expected to contribute over $13 million in direct and increment spend to the Queensland economy.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the contract extension was another major win for Queensland and would deliver more than $13 million to the state.

“The Quikky and Roxy Pro are iconic events for the Gold Coast,” she said.

“Every year these events attract the world’s best surfers including home-grown stars like Joel Parkinson, Julian Wilson and Stephanie Gilmore.

“Images of the Gold Coast are broadcast to millions of surfing fans around the world and this gives a boost to our economy and promotes the city’s reputation as a world-class surfing destination.”

“Attendance numbers last year grew by 45 per cent, attracting almost 40,000 people, and we expect to see this event continue to grow in the years to come.

“There’s nothing more Gold Coast than watching the best surfers on the planet carve it up at Snapper Rocks and we know this event is a highlight on the It’s live in Queensland major events calendar, offering a unique experience for visitors.”

“This year will also be Mick Fanning’s final competitive surf on the Gold Coast following his recent retirement announcement and I encourage locals to get behind this great surfing legend and farewell him in style.”

Sophie Goldschmidt, WSL CEO said the Gold Coast had played a critical role in the surfing world, and specifically professional surfing since its inception in 1976.

“From its fantastic waves to its many Champions, the Gold Coast is one of the most revered and celebrated spots on tour,” she said.

“Our partnership with TEQ ensures that the world’s best surfers will continue to come here over the next three years which we’re delighted about.”

City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the Gold Coast was a global event destination and he was proud to have the Quiksilver and Roxy Pros as part of the major events portfolio.

“This event will go from strength to strength over the next three years of this partnership, partly due to Snapper Rocks being the leading right-hand point break in the southern hemisphere, however more importantly as the profile and reputation of the Gold Coast is heightened with the hosting of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games next month,” he said.

“With over 300 days a year of sunshine and exceptional natural beauty, the Gold Coast and Snapper Rocks offers “stadium-like” surfing conditions which is a highly unique and stunning setting for both athletes and fans.”

“With overhead conditions forecast for the start of the event, it is no wonder why surfers from around the globe call the Gold Coast their second home.”