Whatshot
2019 Gold Coast Open
2019 Gold Coast Open
Gold Coast, Queensland and Billy Stairmand from New Zealand, and Kirra Belle-Olsson from Avoca Beach, NSW, have won the 2019 Gold Coast Open presented by Flight Centre this past weekend, in peeling 2-3ft waves at Burleigh Point. Crowds swarmed to the Burleigh Hill in the thousands to witness some world-class surfing in the natural amphitheater that is Burleigh Point.
Billy Stairmand won the open men's division, defeating Stuart Kennedy in a huge final heat. Stairmand scored a 7.5 (out of a possible 10.00), combined with a 7.75 - to give him a combined heat total of 15.30 (out of a possible 20.00) to edge out his opponent. Kennedy required an 8.85 to take the win, but huey was on Stairmand's side as the ocean stood still for the remainder of the heat.
"It feels crazy, it feels really good," said Stairmand. "I've been having a great week, staying with some friends, looking after myself and eating good food. I knew Stuey (Kennedy) was a gnarly competitor, and the waves haven't been too big so it could've been tough. I'm not too big though so I work well in small waves!" joked Stairmand.
Kirra Belle-Olsson won the women's division at the event, defeating Dimity Stoyle (Maroochydore, QLD) in a quick-paced and thrilling final heat. "It feels amazing to win today," said Olsson. "I had a pretty slow start to the year, so I've been working hard the last few months - just to get back into the winning formula. I definitely think I've found it at this event."
Meanwhile in Keramas, Bali, Indonesia, the first six competitors were eliminated from the Corona Bali Protected in three-to-four foot waves at Keramas. The third stop on the 2019 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) was on hold for half the day until the tides, winds, and swell aligned for the first men's and women's Eliminations Rounds.