Tonic - Autumn 2015 | Page 3

TONIC | WELCOME CEO’S WELCOME WELCOME TO THE AUTUMN ISSUE OF TONIC. The first few months of 2015 have revolved around the activation of major surfing events and I personally wanted to thank all of the dedicated staff within our organisation for their tireless support throughout this period which resulted in some amazing achievements. Surfing Queensland’s aim is to provide Queensland athletes with a development pathway starting at a grass roots level all the way through to the elite level. The 2015 major event window started with a bang. The end of January saw elite surfing back at the iconic Burleigh Heads Point Break with the birth of the World Surf League QS 1000 Scoot Burleigh Pro, presented by Vissla. The event was a major step forward to regaining a QS event back in Queensland and by all accounts the event was a major success. Once again, Surfing Queensland managed the Quiksilver & Roxy Pro’s at Snapper Rocks, which was another resounding success. A full wrap of all events from late 2014 and the first portion of 2015 are included inside this issue. With summer now a distant memory it’s time to dig your wettie out from the back of the cupboard and enjoy what is an amazing time of the year for surfing in Queensland. If you feel like competing, Surfing Queensland can offer a competition to suit your needs. Whether it’s Men’s, Women’s, Longboarding, SUP, Bodyboarding, Groms or Masters - the platform is there to showcase your talents and enjoy the social aspects that competition surfing can offer. Be sure to have a look at the online events calendar to see what’s happening over the next few months. Surfing Queensland Surf Schools continue to set the benchmark providing learners a safe, enjoyable way to experience the thrill of surfing. Surfing Queensland profile’s one of our many Surf Schools in each edition of Tonic to highlight the fantastic job that all of our affiliated Surf School operators are undertaking on a daily basis. This month we feature Coolangatta’s Walk on Water Surf School so be sure to take a look. I would like to acknowledge the support that is received from the Queensland Government that enables Surfing Queensland to deliver programs that benefit both participants in their infancy of surfing, right through to those at the elite level. The 2015year will see Surfing Queensland deliver an unprecedented amount of programs which will assist Queenslander’s to reach their full potential, be that through competitive surfing, participation or career pathways such as coaching or judging. CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME IT IS WITH GREAT PLEASURE THAT I INVITE YOU TO BROWSE THE AUTUMN ISSUE OF THE SURFING QUEENSLAND MAGAZINE. WITH THE NEW YEAR NOW WELL UNDER WAY, THE TEAM AT SURFING QUEENSLAND HAVE BEEN FOCUSING ON THE DELIVERY OF WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME MEMORABLE EVENTS. I was able to attend most events and the level of commitment and organisation shown by the Surfing Queensland staff whilst activating these events has been outstanding and I congratulate the entire team on their efforts. During this period Surfing Queensland held the annual presentation night crowning all of the 2014 State Champions and being formally recognised by their peers. All in all the evening was very successful. At a World Surf League level, Burleigh Heads played host to the Scoot Burleigh Pro presented by Vissla, allowing the world’s elite to once again hit Queensland’s shores with some athletes also using it as a warm up prior to the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro. Congratulations to CEO Adam Yates and the rest of the Surfing Queensland staff and volunteers for delivering the first stop to the WSL World Tour under testing conditions. The World Surf League was extremely supportive of Surfing Queensland’s efforts and ability to go the extra mile. Each of the major events mentioned provide some outstanding opportunities for our Queensland athletes, which are outlined within this issue. I was able to watch closely as all of the action unfolded and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of our Queensland athletes on their amazing performances. All that has transpired within Surfing Queensland since Christmas is outlined within so enjoy the read when you have some time between surfs! John Charlton Surfing Queensland Chairman Thank you to all Surfing Queensland members, the surfing community and all of the stakeholders involved with Surfing Queensland. We hope you enjoy the new look autumn issue. Adam Yates Surfing Queensland Chief Executive Officer PARTNERED WITH SURFINGQUEENSLAND.COM.AU AUTUMN ISSUE – 3