What a difference one year can make. This time last year our beaches were closed and we were being told to stay inside for the health of ourselves and the country. A year on to the day almost, things are back to a somewhat, ‘COVID’ normal’ with the 2021 Queensland Surfing Festival set to take place this weekend and next and spectators are encouraged to come down and view the surfing action throughout the week. The event which will run over nine days from Saturday March 20 will feature local surfers such as Ellia Smith (pictured) competing and vying for a podium finish after a year of no competitions due to the pandemic. Story continued page 11. Photo: Surfing Queensland
The 2021 Volkswagen Queensland Surf Festival will be held from March 20-28th on Coolum Beach, starting this Saturday with the event including disciplines such as shortboard, masters, longboard/logger, SUP surfing and bodyboarding and the event provides the exclusive qualification pathway for Queensland athletes aiming to compete at the 2021 Australian National Titles.
The festival will also feature free family events with movie nights in Tickle Park on each Saturday (March 20 ‘Surf’s Up and March 27 ‘Despicable Me 3’) and a convoy of classic kombis on Saturday March 27 in recognition of new event sponsor Volkswagen and the Kombi’s long affiliation with surf culture.
Surfing Queensland CEO, Adam Yates, said Volkswagen’s long-standing connection to the Queensland surfing community makes it a fitting partner for the event.
“We’re thrilled to join with such an iconic brand. Every surfer knows Volkswagen’s affiliation with beach culture, which makes it a perfect fit for the festival.”
The Kombi Rally on the morning of Saturday March 27 will feature between 20-30 classic VW Kombis driving from Maroochydore to Coolum in a long convoy. They’ll then park at the event site until the afternoon. Also on this day there’ll be market stalls, live music, VW demo vehicles, coffee van and other stalls.
Event schedule
20-21 MARCH – OPEN SHORTBOARD TITLES
22-23 MARCH – MASTERS SHORTBOARD TITLES
24 MARCH – SUP SURFING TITLES
25 MARCH – BODYBOARDING TITLES
26-28 MARCH – LONGBOARD & LOGGER TITLES
The Queensland surf festival will feature a classic kombi rally on Saturday, March 27 and will showcase 20-30 of the classic surfing icons in the morning – with a convoy from Maroochydore to Coolum. Photo: Surfing Queensland