Everything you need to know for the Quiksilver Pro this weekend

We’ve put together a guide on all the juicy details for the Coast’s biggest surfing event.

Surfer Lakey Peterson at Snapper Rocks getting ready for the Roxy Pro starting on the weekend. Pics Adam Head

We’ve put together a guide on all the juicy details for the Coast’s Quiksilver and Roxy Pros.

WHAT IS IT:

The opening stop of the World Surf League Championship Tour for both males and females

WHEN: February 28-March 11, 2015

WHERE: Snapper Rocks, Coolangatta

PRIZE PURSE: $500,000 (men), $250,000 (women)

MOVING FEAST

The Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast is set up at Snapper Rocks, but can

relocate to Kirra, Duranbah or Burleigh if the Superbank is not delivering.

GETTING THERE

Only the optimists go looking for a carpark during this event. If you are a glass half empty sort of person, go straight to Jack Evens Boat Harbour. Or, even better, consider parking at Twin Towns, where there are plenty of spots, and catch the bus.

WHERE TO SIT

There is a big beach site for fans again this year, so grab something to sit on before you run out the door. Rainbow Surf Life Saving Club is also open to the public for those who want to enjoy some hospitality, but get in early if you want a spot.

TIME OUT

There is a fan engagement tent again for spectators looking to get out of the sun and keep their eye on the action, via the big-screen televisions.

REFRESHMENTS

Chose from the food vans and cafes close by, or head to the refreshment tent that overlooks Rainbow Bay.

SNEAKY SURF

Don’t consider trying to surf alongside your idols during the event. Get in before the comp or wait until its over, and even then, be ready to get out of their way.

AUTOGRAPHS AND PICTURES

Wait until the surf stars have finished competing until you approach them for autographs or selfies. Or look out for opportunities organised by the WSL or sponsors that will be on from the weekend at Snapper and other locations, including Pacific Fair.

WHAT DOES IT COST?

Watching some of the world’s most elite sportspeople comes at no charge, so take a look, surfer or not.

GALLERY: SURF STARS ARRIVE ON COAST

RELATED: SURFERS DON FIREST FOR NIGHT OF NIGHTS

SURF ROYALTY

QUIKSILVER PRO WINNERS

2014: Gabriel Medina (Brazil)

2013: Kelly Slater (US)

2012: Taj Burrow (AUS)

2011: Kelly Slater (US)

2010: Taj Burrow (AUS)

2009: Joel Parkinson (AUS)

2008: Kelly Slater (US)

2007: Mick Fanning (AUS)

2006: Kelly Slater (US)

2005: Mick Fanning (AUS)

2004: Michael Lowe (AUS)

2003: Dean Morrison (AUS)

2002: Joel Parkinson (AUS)

*

ROXY PRO WINNERS

2014: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)

2013: Tyler Wright (AUS)

2012: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)

2011: Carissa Moore (US)

2010: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)

2009: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)

2008: Sofía Mulánovich (Peru)

2007: Chelsea Hedges (AUS)

2006: Melanie Redman-Carr (AUS)

2005: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)

2004: Jacqueline Silva (Brazil)

2003: Layne Beachley (AUS)

2002: Lynette MacKenzie (AUS)