Brett Bullock (@coastalcreativecarpentry) is a surfboard shaper, builder and founder of local charity Save Lives Donate Organs (SLDO). As a passionate surfer, Brett’s love for the ocean runs deep. He can usually be found cruising the coastline in search of the perfect wave, and even when he’s not getting wet, he’s chilling beachside with his wife and fur baby.
Here are some of Brett’s top picks for getting salty on the Gold Coast:
DURANBAH
The chosen surf playground of some of the world’s most talented surfing champions (who also happen to call the Coast home), Duranbah, or ‘Dbah’ as it’s known locally, consistently delivers stellar conditions and pumping breaks for those looking to get wet.
SNAPPER ROCKS
This point break isn’t just famous because it’s home to one of Kelly Slater’s favourite waves – the sensational Snapper Rocks is renowned worldwide for its ripping, consistent barrels and Superbank that churn through Rainbow Bay to Greenmount and, even occasionally, to Kirra.
APRES SURF
The northern hemisphere may do ‘apres ski’ better than anyone, but when visiting the Gold Coast, do as the locals do and satisfy those post-beach cravings with a pit stop at Apres Surf – where tasty cheap eats, icy cold beers and a vintage-esque fit out make for a good time at this hip neighbourhood watering hole.
DICK VAN STRAALEN SURFBOARDS
Whether you’re looking for the next board to add to your growing collection, or just want to admire the incredible handiwork of a true local surfing icon, pay a visit to Dick Van Straalen in his Burleigh-based warehouse – the master of all surfboard shapers who’s been hand shaping surf craft for over three decades.
CURRUMBIN BEACH VIKINGS SURF LIFE SAVING CLUB
Perched on the top of Elephant Rock, Currumbin Beach Vikings Surf Life Saving Club presents as a top spot to enjoy a cold drink and seafood platter in the sunshine, listen to live music, or watch the last waves of the day as you drink in 180-degree vistas of the coastline.
NEPTUNE KIOSK, TALLEBUDGERA
The smaller, creek-side sister of cult-favourites Paddock Bakery and Bam Bam Bakehouse, this hole-in-the-wall café dishes up takeaway coffee, cold-pressed juices, acai bowls, baked treats (hello almond croissants) and super-food smoothies for beachgoers looking for a convenient and tasty snack without having to step off the sand.
BURLEIGH HEADS
Beautiful and unpredictable, this right-hand point break set beside the lush Burleigh Heads National Park is for experienced surfers only, delivering fun, deep-pitted barrels that charge from the rocky headland through to the beach.
THE SPIT
Rise with the sun for an early morning paddle at The Spit – the permanent sand spit makes for a primo surf spot that serves up plenty of empty peaks that are too good for surf-lovers to pass up.
CURRUMBIN ALLEY
The Alley serves up stellar waves for surfers of all ages and stages thanks to its excellent right-hand break out back and gentle whitewash waves on the inside – there’s also Currumbin beachfront right next door, offering up a sturdier wave for the more seasoned surfers.
KIRRA POINT
If surfing in warm, turquoise waters is something that floats your boat (or surfboard rather), Kirra is the break for you, providing pristine pearlers that peel around the point and, in cyclone swells, deliver top-notch barrels reminiscent of the old days.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Destination Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.