Coolum Beach is set to make its international debut on the world championship stage after securing hosting rights for the 2025 World Bodysurfing championships.
The news follows the success of the annual Coolum Wedge bodysurfing festival which attracts the country’s best bodysurfers to the coast.
Coolum Wedge co-founder Darren Verrenkamp said the phenomenal growth and success of the Festival, now in its fourth year, had contributed to the successful bid for the world titles.
“In just a few short years we’ve managed to grow this event into a national competition attracting competitors from around the world, and we’re excited and proud that we’ve made such an impact in such a short time to secure this event from other high-profile international locations,” Darren said.
“This is largely thanks to the efforts of Dan and especially Bendigo Community Bank Marcoola who has been our anchor sponsor since inception and shares the same community spirit as bodysurfing.”
Bendigo Community Bank Sunshine Coast Chair Trish Radge said, “We’ve been proud supporters of the Coolum Wedge Body Surfing event for several years.”
“We love the team’s sense of community and dedication to, not only the sport of body surfing, but to the Coolum business community.
“The Wedge attracts competitors and their teams from around the world and from across Australia, buoying local businesses over the festival.
“We congratulate the team on securing the World Bodysurfing Championships for 2025.”
Ninderry MP Dan Purdie said the fact that Coolum will host an international event at the highest level of competition was a massive coup for the whole region.
“We already know we have some of the best surfing conditions in the world, and to play host to an international event attracting some of the world’s greatest body surfers, together with an international audience is better than any paid advertising campaign,” Mr Purdie said.
“The economic benefits alone from hundreds of competitors and their families will bolster local tourism operators, with the flow-on effects to every other small business in the food chain.”
Federal Member for Fairfax Ted O’Brien said with the eyes of the world on the south-east in the lead up to the Olympics in 2032, this was a perfect opportunity to showcase the Sunshine Coast.
This year’s Coolum Wedge, which is also a qualifier for next year’s championships, will be held from 26-28 April.
The Wedge festival is known for it’s all-inclusive vibe, hosting additional divisions for all ages, from 10-85.
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.
Registrations close 19 April. For more information visit coolumwedge.com
