Snapper Rocks returns to WSL Championship Tour in 2025
Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast, Australia, is set to make a comeback to the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) in 2025 after a five year hiatus.
The City of Gold Coast, and Tourism and Events Queensland, have sealed a four year agreement with the WSL guaranteeing the events return to Coolangatta for the next four years.
The revival of the Snapper Rocks event marks a win for the surfing community on the Gold Coast, who have been vocal about bringing back this beloved competition.
Snapper Rocks, once the season opener for top-tier surfing competitions for twenty years, was unexpectedly removed from the roster in 2021 due to COVID-19-related scheduling changes.
When competition resumed in 2021 disagreements between the Queensland government and WSL regarding COVID restrictions led to the Gold Coast losing its hosting rights.
As a result, the Queensland segment of the tour was relocated to New South Wales.
Over the past three years Snapper Rocks has been hosting the opening leg of the WSL’s Challenger Series
The absence of the CT event though, created a void, in Coolangatta’s fabric and surf culture, known for producing world champions.
The comeback of the Snapper Rocks competition holds significance for Mick Fanning, three time world champion and two time Snapper Rocks winner.
He expressed his relief, saying, “Not having it was really heartbreaking not for us surfers wanting people to ride our waves but also for the kids who look up to see what’s possible at their local break.”
Fanning, deeply connected to the event highlighted its importance beyond the Gold Coast.
“It’s not just for Gold Coast kids; it’s for everyone.
“From north New South Wales to the Sunny Coast.
“People would come from over ” he noted.
The events return is expected to have a huge impact on tourism to the area.
Tourism and Events Queensland forecasts that the 10-day competition will draw around 14,000 fans and generate a $2.9 million boost for the economy.
Surfing enthusiasts worldwide are anticipated to gather on the Gold Coast to witness top surfers compete at Snapper Rocks.
The Snapper Rocks CT events in the past presented some of the best surfing betting opportunities of the year due to the consistency of the waves.
The specific placement of Snapper Rocks in the 2025 WSL schedule remains undisclosed at this time.
There is speculation that it might feature as the event before the mid-season cut, or as the first event following the cut.
Currently, the 2024 Australian leg comprises stops at Bells Beach in March, and Margaret River in April where the mid-season cut occurred.
