- WSL
- WSL

QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST

Stop No. 1 of 11 on the Samsung Galaxy ASP World Championship Tour
March 1 - March 12, 2014
Prize Purse: $500,000.00

Snapper Rocks: Coolangatta, Queensland, Australia

TIME DIFFERENCE: GMT + 10

COORDINATES: 28.10 S, 153.33 E

BAGGAGE CLAIM: Gold Coast Airport, Coolangatta (OOL)

TRANSPORTATION: Public transport is pretty good on the Goldy and they don't really mind you bringing boards on the buses. It can be a bit frustrating though when you're stuck at D'Bah and have to wait 40 minutes before you're pulling in at Burleigh - if you crave mobility, rent a car or buy a junker.

ATTITUDE: Serving as the kickoff event to the 2014 Samsung Galaxy ASP World Championship Tour season, the Quiksilver Pro on Australia's Gold Coast is responsible for emitting a certain electricity into the air around "Cooly" come contest time. When the best surfers in the world descend on the wave-laden beaches of the Goldy, all proverbial hell breaks loose. Clubs and casinos overflow with an influx of surf stars and their cohorts while fans and media flock the beaches to stand in awe of their talent.

THE WAVE(S): The Quiksilver Pro is a mobile beast boasting a ridiculous number of world-class waves all within a stone's throw of one another…precisely the reason why several of the world's best claim residency here. The Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast sets up shop at Snapper Rocks, but can relocate to Kirra, Duranbah, or Burleigh should the Superbank not behave.

PERKS: If Huey is a frothing, party-going surfer, then the Gold Coast is surely heaven. Wind no good at Duranbah? Simply head to one of the several world-class protected points within arm's reach. Not big enough at the points? A quick drive and a paddle (albeit over a shark-infested channel) to South Straddie should set you up nicely. The possibilities are endless, and performance barriers are being shattered here every minute.

PERILS: Best watch whom you're dropping in on. There's a good chance you could be snaking Joel "Parko" Parkinson, Mick "Eugene" Fanning, or 'CT Rookie Mitch Crews and is that something you want to do? Also, with world-class waves come packed crowds. It can be tough to up your wave count with the world's best surrounding the lineup.

APRES SURF: More than enough mayhem to engage in. Along with world-class waves, the Goldy hosts a plethora of pubs, casinos and clubs. Conrad Jupiter's up at Broadbeach is usually the venue of choice to go spending all your prize money, but if you're not in the mood for gambling, go get your swerve on at one of the many classy clubs in Surfer's Paradise, or just go have a pint down at the local club.

ASP WORLD TOUR HISTORY: The Gold Coast has been home to world-class professional surfing for decades, and 2014 will mark the 13th year as season-opener for the world's best. Formerly an ASP QS 6-Star venue, Quiksilver staged their inaugural Quiksilver Pro Samsung Galaxy ASP World Championship Tour event at Snapper in 2002. Since then, it's held court as the undisputed kickoff within the surfing world.

NOTABLE: 11-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) is the only non-Australian to lay claim to the prestigious season-opener. All three of the infamous “Cooly Kids”, Dean Morrison (AUS), Joel Parkinson (AUS) and reigning three-time ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS) have been victorious at their home break as well. Only one goofy-footer has ever ascended the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast throne, Michael Lowe (AUS) back in 2004.

PAST EVENT CHAMPIONS:
2013: Kelly Slater (USA)
2012: Taj Burrow (AUS)
2011: Kelly Slater (USA)
2010: Taj Burrow (AUS)
2009: Joel Parkinson (AUS)

2008: Kelly Slater (USA)
2007: Mick Fanning (AUS)
2006: Kelly Slater (USA)
2005: Mick Fanning (AUS)
2004: Michael Lowe (AUS)
2003: Dean Morrison (AUS)
2002: Joel Parkinson (AUS)

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