Joel Parkinson (barreled) pictured angry at Snapper Rocks.
Joel Parkinson (barreled) pictured angry at Snapper Rocks.

Breaking: World Surf League abandons Australia’s famed Snapper Rocks as sixth tour stop in earth-shattering announcement

"The decision follows significant cyclone-related impacts to the Snapper Rocks sandbank and beach..."

Whilst you may be busy either counting money gained or ruing money not gained in latest stock market spike, major surf news has just dropped. Currently in the midst of an El Salvador event that is threatening to run forever, the World Surf League just announced that it is dropping Snapper Rocks, post Bells, as its sixth stop.

Per the scintillating press release:

The decision follows significant cyclone-related impacts to the Snapper Rocks sandbank and beach, which has made the location currently unsuitable for the CT. Extensive assessments and engagements have confirmed that the bank is extremely unlikely to recover in time for the event window from May 3 – 13, 2025.

The stretch of sand from Snapper Rocks to the Kirra groyne—known as the “Super Bank”—is famed for producing long, flawless waves. However, after crossing the Gold Coast coastline in early March, ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred has left a deep trough where the famed waves typically break, leaving the iconic super bank and beach without the sand needed to host the upcoming CT event. While the Tweed Sand Bypass System usually helps restore the sandbanks at Snapper much quicker than other beaches, widespread erosion along the Tweed Coast has limited the sand available for replenishment. As a result, while the sand may return in the coming months, it is extremely unlikely to recover in time for the upcoming CT event.

Where will our heroes and heroines be heading instead?

“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,” Experience Gold Coast CEO John 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.”

Feint praise for Burleigh, if the text means anything.

Thoughts?

Prayers?

More as the story develops.

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Sean Connery
Sean Connery
1 year ago

If somebody needs sand the WSL would give them a shrub. If somebody needed a shrub the WSL would give them sand.

Shredy Kruger
Shredy Kruger
1 year ago

Bundaberg Burliegh Pro! Curren vs. Elkerton “Yoo-hoo” barrels! Good times mate, cheers 🍻

Sellme fitzgobbins
Sellme fitzgobbins
1 year ago

Hopefully they can move the
Margs pro to trigg point or yallingup at that rate .

janeausten
janeausten
1 year ago

This time you’ve gone too far. Pistols at dawn, sir.
Is there a better wave than Yalls with a [lot of] West in a 2.3 -3.5m swell?
My old rheumy eyes fill with tears at the sweet memories.

tim_nelsen
tim_nelsen
1 year ago

human error at the controls?

Otto
Otto
1 year ago

Great older frames. Knuckleheads will never not be cool.
Its just a shitty company to invest in. Riding motorcycles on roadways is dangerous enough as is, and now you got cars creeping up on you without making a fucking sound.

Don’t buy their dip.
Look at nuclear energy companies. AI has one ferocious appetite for energy. There’s some good get in early opportunities, but it requires you do the research.

Board Barnacle
Board Barnacle
1 year ago

Well the Burleigh shard is just as good as Cooly’s.

Mochillupo
Mochillupo
1 year ago

they should rename it Stubbies and bring back in the meter maids to peacock up and down the strip.

ValiantScorn
ValiantScorn
1 year ago

If netanyoohoo steps his game up, and finishes construction on the Gaza Resort/Wave Pool in time, the 2026 season will rock! Don’t fret over Oceanic let downs…..

Sean Connery
Sean Connery
1 year ago

They should re-use the scaffolding and commentary team from the boardriders battle. It can be spun as a One Ocean initiative.

Chief Hot stuff
Chief Hot stuff
1 year ago

Thats joel at kirra.

Sean Connery
Sean Connery
1 year ago

Thanks Chief.

Chief Hot stuff
Chief Hot stuff
1 year ago
Reply to  Sean Connery

You bet

ValiantScorn
ValiantScorn
1 year ago

Right before Dr. Slater stone cold dropped in on him w/priority.

Chief Hot stuff
Chief Hot stuff
1 year ago
Reply to  ValiantScorn

They both got shacked so all good, great comp that one, back when huey didnt hate the wooz

janeausten
janeausten
1 year ago

I think Jake was the contest director, and called it masterfully.

Otto
Otto
1 year ago

There goes the Australian Rock Market, straight down Davy Jones’ Average Locker

Gil Gunderson
Gil Gunderson
1 year ago

Should just move the comp to Lennox

Mapski
Mapski
1 year ago
Reply to  Gil Gunderson

Jodie Cooper wildcard.

Barnycle
Barnycle
1 year ago
Reply to  Gil Gunderson

Probably better than Burleigh most days, right ?

Gil Gunderson
Gil Gunderson
1 year ago
Reply to  Barnycle

Was more of a joke reference to the time they tried to hold the CT there. Popular move…

tim_nelsen
tim_nelsen
1 year ago
Reply to  Gil Gunderson

there were no casualties in this release of a memoir’ comment image?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=GF3Jcnm1QScQ7kNvwFoFwi9&_nc_oc=AdnYH1gkQNjMpy1QshjLds8tZrcMXV7wapxXeV_4_nt2_Hh1MUw9TMTWQs9f203lTYY&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.xx&_nc_gid=3t18xPIQthYmBZMoG5k3Ug&oh=00_AfG7SnCG6oL9DKd8i3DJ30jkydNku0NNBKKeCtUqt4Z6JQ&oe=67FD18DB

John Smith
John Smith
1 year ago

I’d rather they take action instead of just cross their fingers for the next month and hope the sand fills in.


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