Surf culture is integral to the Gold Coast. Nearly every morning for 56 years, Denis Lowe of the Burleigh Longboard Club has paddled out into the surf. And at 71, this passionate surfer has no intention of stopping any time soon. “Surfing is like a bug,” he explains. “Once you start, it’s hard to imagine not doing it.”
Anecdotes and archived photos show Gold Coast locals using body boards and wooden surf boards at Greenmount Beach and Main Beach as early as 1912. Famous shortboard surfers such as World Surf League champions Mick Fanning and Joel Parkinson were raised on the Gold Coast, but the surf spots in the area suit longboarders too.
“Longboarders ride a more relaxed wave and shortboards are more aggressive,” explains Denis. “Longboarding is like riding in a limo and shortboarding is like driving a sports car.” Whether you’re a longboarder, shortboarder, or just keen to watch other people surf some waves, there’s no shortage of beaches to visit and breaks to ride.
“Burleigh, Kirra Beach, Rainbow Bay and Narrowneck in Main Beach are all great for longboarding,” recommends Denis. “Shortboarders like Snapper Rocks, and Greenmount Beach is great to watch.”
In March last year, the 16-kilometre stretch of the Gold Coast from Burleigh Heads to Snapper Rocks was declared a World Surfing Reserve, joining an elite list of seven other places worldwide, including California’s Malibu and Punta de Lobos in Chile. You can watch the big guns enjoying those protected breaks throughout the year, or make your way to Snapper Rocks in February/March each year to see legends like Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning and Tyler Wright compete in the annual Quiksilver Pro and Roxy Pro.
But surfing – and particularly longboarding – is about inclusivity, meaning there are plenty of surf events for everyone to join in. “Burleigh Longboard Club runs an Anzac Day service and surf,” says Denis. “Surfing is a great way to meet the locals. If you’re interested in surfing, it’s a good idea to have a couple of lessons then join a local club.”
“Every time you surf it’s different. The thrill of catching a wave never gets old.”
DESTINATIONS TO SURF AND SWIM
BURLEIGH HEADS BEACH
World renowned for its spectacular surfing, the south-easterly breeze provides a long and barrelling right-hander.
KIRRA BEACH
The small rocky headland at Kirra Point is known as one of the world’s premier surf breaks and is popular with longboarders.
GREENMOUNT BEACH
Not so far from Coolangatta, it’s one of many contenders for the ‘best kept secret’ award. The perfect spot for surfer-gazing.
CURRUMBIN ROCK POOLS
A gloriously shady swimming hole just 15 minutes’ drive from Currumbin Beach. Kids will have a blast jumping in.
TALLEBUDGERA CREEK
The sparkling creek is the centre point for a lifestyle that’s all about the water. Fishing, swimming and kayaking rule.
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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.