Gold Coast Open Kicks Off at Burleigh Heads Tomorrow

BURLEIGH HEADS, Queensland / Australia (Thursday, February 13, 2024) - Excitement is growing as the Gold Coast Open, one of surfing's most anticipated annual events, brings professional surfing back to Burleigh Heads from February 14-16. The 2025 Gold Coast Open (GCO) will feature the return of the Australia/Oceania regional World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 1000-rated event. The competition will provide competitors with a crucial opportunity to earn points and secure qualification for the 2025 WSL Challenger Series.

This event also marks the second consecutive year of the Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS) at Burleigh Heads, adding another layer of talent to this prestigious competition. As one of only two LQS events in Australia, it plays a crucial role in qualifying for the 2025 World Longboard Tour.

Reef Heazlewood (AUS) will be one to watch as he sets focus on winning the 2025 Gold Coast Open to get the points necessary to make it back on the Challenger Series.

"I am stoked to be surfing in the Gold Coast Open. The waves look great today, and the forecast for the weekend is even better," said Heazlewood. "I am hoping to rack up some points from this event for my Qualifying Series campaign and get back on the Challenger Series."

Former Championship Tour (CT) surfer and previous Gold Coast Open champion Sophie McCulloch (AUS) is eager to make her competitive return after suffering a back injury while surfing in Western Australia last year.

"The Gold Coast has incredible waves, especially at Burleigh Heads. But with great waves come big crowds, so it's always amazing to surf a heat with just a few people in the water," said McCulloch. "The surf forecast for the Gold Coast Open is looking really good, so I can't wait to get out in the water and hopefully get a few heats under my belt!"

Surfing Queensland CEO Mark Flanagan is thrilled to host the 2025 Gold Coast Open, which will highlight local and international talent.

"The Gold Coast Open has been a major focus for Surfing Queensland, and we're proud to host an event that showcases both local and international talent at one of Queensland's most iconic locations," said Flanagan. "Following the successful debut of a longboard QS at Burleigh Heads last year, we're excited to see a diverse lineup of professional athletes competing once again. We welcome everyone to join us for this three-day event, celebrating some of the best surfing talent out there."

City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said he's looking forward to celebrating surf culture at one of the biggest surf events in Queensland.

"Three days of celebrating the best in surfing culture… that's what makes this event so special," said Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate. "This year is shaping as one of the biggest for our city's events calendar. Make a date with the Gold Coast Open and join in the excitement."

Previous winners of the Gold Coast Open (formerly Burleigh Pro) include Taj Burrow, Julian Wilson, Dimity Stoyle, Owen Wright, Sophie McCulloch, Mitch Crews, and Isabella Nichols. The event is known for attracting surfers from all corners of the globe, including Hawaii, Indonesia, North America, France, Brazil, and Japan.