Billly Stairmand and Kirra Belle-Olsson have won the 2019 Gold Coast Open yesterday, in 2-3ft waves at Burleigh Point. Crowds swarmed to Burleigh Hill in the thousands to witness some world-class surfing in the natural amphitheatre that is our Burleigh Point.
Billy Stairmand won the open men’s division, defeating Stuart Kennedy in a huge final heat. Stairmand scored 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. “I’d like to thank my mum, who passed away a couple of years ago. To win the event on Mother’s day is pretty special, I’m sure she was looking down at me.”
Runner-up Stuart Kennedy was stoked with a second place win and holds high hopes for the rest of the year.
“I’m hoping I can carry this momentum into future events, like the QS10,000’s and stuff. I would like to re-qualify for the world tour, I feel like that’s where I belong.”
Billy Stairmand at the 2019 Gold Coast Open presented by Flight Centre.
Kirra Belle-Olsoon has won the women’s division defeating Dimity Stoyle in a quick-paced and thrilling final heat. Belle Olsson has scored a 6.65, combined with an 8.25 for a total heat score of 14.90. Stoyle’s heat total of 11.00 was no match for Olsson’s backhand attack, riding 8 waves for her heat in a day of big lulls with not many waves on offer.
The next Australian WSL Qualifying series event will be the Mandurah Pro in Western Australia, from October 19th – 22nd
Kirra Belle-Olsson at the 2019 Gold Coast Open presented by Flight Centre.
