By Abbey Cannan
The country’s best bodysurfers are ready to take on the annual Coolum Wedge bodysurfing festival this weekend, 26-28 April.
People of all abilities from the casual body surfer to salty veterans love the competition, where competitors cheer each other’s waves on in their heats.
This year’s Coolum Wedge is also a qualifier for next year’s championships, after securing hosting rights for the 2025 World Bodysurfing championships.
Coolum Wedge competitor and co-founder Lynda Franklin said, “We’re excited to showcase the local bodysurfing community and put Coolum on the map as a bodysurfing destination.“
“We’ve got an army of volunteers and our sponsors Bendigo Community Bank Marcoola have been there every step of the way with us.
“We couldn’t do it without their support and you never take that stuff for granted.“
The Wedge festival is known for its all-inclusive vibe, hosting additional divisions for all ages, from 10-85.
Coolum Wedge committee member and competitor Glen Murphy said, “This is the third year I’ve been in the event and it gets a lot of like minded people together which makes it a really fun event.“
“Coolum is a really good set up for competitions because you’ve got a natural amphitheatre where people can sit and watch.
“I’m competing on Friday which is a really high standard of competition and people come from different countries, so you don’t know who you’re going to compete against and that’s always interesting.
“You’ve got to be at your best if you want to do well. People compete seriously but it’s really social overall.“
There will be plenty of action in and out of the water, with community events for all to enjoy.
Everyone’s favourite get-together, the Group Whomp-in, is on again on Friday afternoon 4pm at picturesque First Bay, Coolum.
One of the highlights of last year’s festival was the inaugural bodysurfing team tag-event, so they are bringing it back with some improvements. The results and announcement of Wedge Champion Club will be crowned at the after-party on Saturday night.
Saturday night join the competitors in celebrating the unique culture and vibe at the famous Wedge Mid-Festival After Party. Talk up, or make excuses for your day’s performances and swear a better showing on Sunday. Also, amaze your friends with your Wedge and body surfing knowledge in the free Teams Trivia Contest.
Bendigo Community Bank Sunshine Coast chair Trish Radge said, “We’ve been proud supporters of the Wedge from its inception, admiring their commitment to fostering healthy competition within the community.“
“Community Banks return up to 80 per cent of their profits back to the people and communities who generate them.
“Thanks to our valued customers, we’re able to back initiatives like the Wedge, which has successfully secured the Sunny Coast’s first world championship sporting event—an incredibly significant achievement.“
Festival Schedule
26 April Friday Morning 8am IBSA Qualifying Tournament for World Championships
26 April Friday Afternoon 4pm Group Whomp-in Session at First Bay
26 April Friday Eve 5.30pm Mid-Summer Eve Picnic at The Point – Free BBQ-drinks for all whompers and presentation of IBSA winners
26 April Friday Night 7pm Post-IBSA download and catch-up with fellow-salty old friends at Coolum Beach Hotel
27 April Saturday 7am – 4pm It’s Wedge Time! Comp Opening Day – Heats
27 April Saturday Afternoon 4pm – Super Heat to determine Champion Bodysurfing Club
27 April Saturday 7pm – Official Mid Festival After-Party at Coolum Beach Hotel. Champion Club presentation, and Bodysurfing Trivia Contest
28 April Sunday 7am – 5pm Wedge Competition Finals Day and winners’ presentations
28 April Sunday 5pm – Sunday Stayers Session – Tales Of Grandeur session at Coolum SLSC
For more information, visit coolumwedge.com
