Struggling Cooly businesses thrilled Snapper Rocks is back on World Surf League Championship Tour

Southern Gold Coast small business operators have revealed the ongoing impacts of Covid - but are stoked about a major boost coming their way. Subscribe to read why they are frothing

Coolangatta businesses are frothing the return of the World Surf League's (WSL) top tier tour to Snapper Rocks in 2025, with local traders still feeling the hurt post pandemic.

Many local restaurants, cafes, accommodation and retail stores were disappointed when it was announced the renowned surf spot would be cut from the Championship Tour calendar five years ago.

While the area still claimed the Gold Coast Pro starting on Saturday, businesses say they are more than thrilled to hear of the return of the CT and the world’s best surf pros to Snapper Rocks from 2025 in a four-year deal.

Lakey Peterson as the Gold Coast Pro surfing event starts this weekend at Snapper Rocks. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Rainbow Bay Surf Life Saving Club general manager Gavin Shepherd said it was fantastic news and would be beneficial for not just the club that boasts prime views of the surf break, but the entire community.

“We’re extremely excited about it,” Mr Shepherd said.

“We still got the Challenger Series (but) obviously the main CT tour draws a lot more crowds, brings a lot more people to it - they want to see the most famous surfers in the world compete against each other here at Snapper Rocks.”

Local cafe Cooly Food Culture manager Annie Phillips said it would be great for local business considering many struggled after Covid.

“It’d be fabulous for business, especially being on the beachfront here,” Ms Phillips said.

“I know the older businesses struggled with Covid a lot, but there are also a lot of new businesses that could benefit.”

Annie Phillips from Cooly Food Culture said the return of the world class competition is exciting for local businesses. Picture: Mikaela Mulveney

Strict border closures along the New South Wales coast during the pandemic directly impacted Coolangatta, including the few surviving retail stores such as Ripcurl.

The surf brand known to attract famous surfers and fans alike has maintained its beachfront store for over a decade and supervisor Ricardo Romanelli said having the world class athletes back to visit Coolangatta is a big win.

“Being a small town, anything that can attract people to come in (and) people traffic is always good for us and (for) the surf community (it) is fantastic, like having the privilege to be able to see these all time athletes is inspiring for them,” Mr Romanelli said.

“I feel like after Covid a lot has gone on with real estate and so on, so businesses got some sort of degree of heat from that, (but) retail and hospitality, it was really hard.”

Rainbow Bay SLSC balcony is packed with people enjoying a beer with the best view of the swell. Picture: Kathleen Skene

With 14,000 people expected to flock to the town annually for the weekend long CT stop, Queensland Minister for Tourism and Sport, Michael Healy said the town was the perfect host: “Not only will this event bring a wave of excitement and lift community spirits on the Gold Coast, but it will also deliver a boost for local accommodation, hospitality and event providers, supporting good Queensland tourism jobs.”

Divisional Councillor Gail O’Neill added the economic impact that comes into the southern Gold Coast from the event is immeasurable.

“When the tour left us I must admit I was really disappointed on behalf of our local traders and the accommodation houses because it is very important,” she said. “We are still very happy to still have the Challenger Series.But I have to say I am so thrilled that the (WSL) tour is back.”