The 2025 Gold Coast Open @ Burleigh Heads
Pumping surf, excellent surfing, free skin checks, sun exposure awareness, treasure hunts & loads of Feel Good vibes at this year’s Gold Coast Pro event at Burleigh Heads.
What an event. The waves were pumping and the sun was shining at Burleigh Heads for this year’s Gold Coast Open, with plenty of excellent surfing and spectacles for both competitors & viewers.
The three-day event (14 – 16 February) is a renowned event for the region & is much more than a surfing competition. Along with pumping surf, glorious weather & loads of incredible surfing, this year’s event included free on-site skin checks, sunrise yoga sessions, women’s group surfing, food trucks, skate demos/clinics, a pop-up beach bar & even a free concert.
This year, in collaboration with Surfing QLD, Molescan Australia & local practitioner Dr. James McDougall, the Feel Good team hosted free, on – site skin checks to raise awareness & educate participants on the importance of sunscreen & daily sun exposure. This activation reached huge event attendance & participant numbers & we can’t thank everyone enough for participating & getting involved.
The first competitor to claim victory on finals day was Tully White, who is now the back-to-back champion of the women’s longboard QS division in the Gold Coast Open. In a nail-biting final, she narrowly got the win over Emily Lethbridge, in a heat which saw plenty of high-level longboard surfing from the female competitors.
The men’s longboard final followed, with an intense four-man heat ending in Kai Ellice-Flint claiming a narrow victory against 5x Australian Longboard Champion, Clinton Guest and 2x Australian Longboard Champion, Declan Wyton.
Sophie McCulloch, who recently overcame a career-threatening back injury, shared her determination to secure the win during a pre-event media call. As the women’s short board final unfolded, all eyes were on the water, with Charli Hately delivering textbook surfing alongside the eventual champion, Sophie McCulloch.
Former Championship Tour surfer, Morgan Cibilic, secured victory in a thrilling final against standout competitor Dakota Walters, who showcased next-level aerial maneouvres over the course of the event.
A big shout out and congratulations to all the competitors & winners. Thank you again to all participants and visitors who popped in and said high to the Feel Good team over the weekend!
Watch this space and keep an eye on our social channels as the Feel Good team announce loads more activations just like this throughout the year. Come and meet the team, get educated, get involved and you might even walk away with some free sunscreen for you & your friends!