Amateur surfers crowding Snapper Rocks frustrating pros ahead of World Surf League opener

BLOW-IN boardriders are clogging the famous Snapper Rocks break and frustrating some of the world’s best surfers.

BLOW-IN boardriders are clogging Snapper Rocks and frustrating some of the world’s best surfers.

Three-time world champion Mick Fanning said amateur surfers should 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.

“Some surfers just have to use some common sense because if there are 10 pros out there you probably won’t get a good wave.

“Maybe you can just go surf somewhere different.”

Dane Reynolds, Kelly Slater, Carissa Moore, Tyler Wright, Stephanie Gilmore and Mick Fanning address the media ahead of the opening round of the World Surf League. Picture: Luke Marsden.

His sentiments were echoed 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 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.

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

“I know the Narrow Neck one didn’t quite work but they can learn from that. I would love a wave pool and I’m going to get Kelly to build me one.”

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

Steps Gilmore at the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro press conference. Picture: Luke Marsden.

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

“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.”