Queensland surfing: The pro tour
List
By Jasmine Hodges
From Noosa Heads to Coolangatta, Queensland’s beaches are home to some seriously gnarly surfing legends.
Joel ‘Parko’ Parkinson, Julian Wilson, Mick Fanning, Stephanie Gilmore, Mitch Coleborn and Mark Occhilupo are just a few surfing professionals that have honed their skills on our shores.
And while you might not get to share the green room with them, you can revel in the thrill of carving it up at some of their favourite local breaks.
Snapper Rocks (Coolangatta), Gold Coast
If you are keen to surf with the stars, Snapper Rocks is the place to be. Locals, Joel Parkinson, Mick Fanning and Stephanie Gilmore are among the professional line-up of surfers that name Snapper as their favourite surf spot.
The unrivalled break also hosts the annual Quicksilver and Roxy pro. The international surf competition is part of the ASP World Tour, showcasing pro surfers from around the globe.
Snapper Rocks is on the north side of Point Danger between Coolangatta and Tweed Heads.
Kirra Beach, Gold Coast
As well as hosting the Billabong Pro, this popular Gold Coast break was once home to surfing icon, Mark Occhilupo
Back then, Kirra was famous for producing what surfers hailed ‘the perfect wave’. Today, Kirra is a hot spot for tow-in surfing in large swells – a great spectator sport for the less adventurous.
Wurtulla Beach, Sunshine Coast
Semi-hidden along the coastline between Caloundra and Mooloolaba, Wurtulla Beach has long been a favourite of professional surfers from around the world. Often spotted enjoying the sizeable break is local and pro surfer, Mitch Coleborn.
Wurtulla is an exposed beach with waves that are best left to the experienced. If you prefer to sit on the sidelines, it’s a great spot to claim a piece of sand and watch the action unfold.
Coolum Beach, Sunshine Coast
Sushi roll, anyone? Not hungry? That’s okay because this kind of sushi roll involves a surf board, a sizeable swell and pro surfer, Julian Wilson.
Julian’s famous surf manoeuvre, the sushi roll, was perfected in his hometown break at Coolum Beach.
Situated at the northern end of the Sunshine Coast, Coolum Beach offers left and right handers and protection from a southerly wind. Whether you are a beginner or pro, Coolum Beach has a wave for you.
Noosa Heads, Sunshine Coast
If you are more the ‘hang ten’ type, then Noosa is your perfect scene. Home of six-time Australian longboard champion, Josh Constable, this popular stretch of beach is wind protected and delivers a small, clean swell.
If you’re a first time surfer, Noosa is a great place to grab a board and give it a try. And for the more experienced, be sure to show-off your Malibu manoeuvres at the annual Noosa Festival of Surfing.
*Photography: Feature image @snapper_snapper; Snapper Rocks image Al Mackinnon
