The World Surf League has made the shock call to relocate the Gold Coast Pro following the wreckage caused by Ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred to our iconic beaches.
The famed Snapper Rocks was due to host the world’s best surfers next month, but officials have been forced to shift the championship tour event to Burleigh Heads instead.
“ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has left a deep trough where Snapper typically breaks, leaving the iconic super bank and beach without the sand needed to host the upcoming CT event,” the WSL said in a statement.
“The sand may return in the coming months, but it is extremely unlikely to recover in time”.
WSL APAC President Andrew Stark said they didn’t take the decision to move the event lightly.
“Snapper Rocks is one of the most perfect waves in the world, and this was an extremely difficult decision to shift locations,” he said.
“Our priority is to ensure world-class conditions for our athletes and fans, and given the state of the bank at Snapper Rocks and the lack of time to replenish the sand, we are confident this is the right decision to ensure the success of the 2025 Gold Coast CT”.
Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said he’s thrilled the competition is still going ahead on our shores.
“While we are, of course, disappointed Snapper Rocks won’t be hosting the highly anticipated return of the Championship Tour this May, we know Burleigh is a world-class point break that will challenge the globe’s very best surfers,” Mr Warn said.
“For surfing fans, the relocation of the Gold Coast Pro to Burleigh provides a unique and very special opportunity to watch the world’s leading surfers do battle at one of the world’s most iconic surfing destinations steeped in history.
“There is no doubt our famous Super Bank at Snapper will return better than ever, planning for this in 2026 is underway, and we look forward to seeing the Gold Coast Pro back to its rightful home for the 2026 event and beyond.”
The WSL has confirmed the relocation will not affect the Championship Tour schedule, with the Gold Coast stop still scheduled to take place from May 3 to 13.
“While Burleigh will serve as the primary event site, Greenmount, Kirra, and Snapper Rocks will remain as mobile options should conditions allow throughout the event window,” Mr Stark said.
