Gold Coast surfing death tragedy: Why Snapper Rocks superbank is a popular surf destination

WHY would anyone be surfing at the Gold Coast’s Snapper Rocks before the sun was even up? Greenmount Beach has become one of Australia’s most popular surf locations but it’s also seen it’s fair share of issues.

WHY would anyone be surfing at the Gold Coast’s Snapper Rocks before the sun was even up?

It’s a question visitors might ask but if you know how crowded the popular surfing spot gets, especially when the swell is on, you would understand.

Snapper Rocks has been the subject of numerous complaints over the years that it has become too crowded – and downright dangerous because of it.

The superbank.

Some of the world’s best surfers including Mick Fanning have expressed frustration that too many amateur surfers are trying to surf the spot especially around big competitions.

Back in 2015, Fanning called for amateur surfers to clear the water in the lead-up to the Quiksilver Pro and Roxy Pro.

“It gets frustrating when you have so many people in the water,” he said.

“I am in a different sort of field because I know the locals but it is frustrating for guys coming in from overseas who are trying to practice.

Snapper is known for its incredible waves.

His sentiments were echoed at the same by six-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore who said the break became dangerous when beginners paddled out.

“Growing up here you learn how to read people and predict who to stay away from,” she said. “I have definitely had some close calls but you just need to watch what the less ­experienced surfers are doing.

“Everywhere in the world is getting more crowded each year so it isn’t just Snapper Rocks.”

Gilmore urged the council to develop more surfing spots to alleviate the congestion.

“Everyone is really passionate about surfing and it brings a lot of money into the economy so we should look at more surfing projects,” she said.

It’s a popular surf location.

“Some break walls up north would be great and I would love to see some artificial reefs.”

Kelly Slater, who was nearly strangled by a fellow surfer’s leg-rope back in 2015, said Coolangatta has always been packed.

“The crowds put you off but let’s get something clear: it has never been uncrowded on the Gold Coast,” he said at the time.

“I came here in 1987 and I couldn’t get a wave at Kirra. It was crowded as hell then and it is just a bit more crowded now.

“If you went back and looked at footage of Kirra in ’92 and ’94 there were so many people out there.

“It is the same now with the Superbank. It’s just a longer stretch with the same density of crowd.”