Red Bull Airborne trials winner crowned on the Gold Coast

Sunshine Coast surfer Aaron Kelly has won the Red Bull Airborne trials on the Gold Coast to book his place in the main event.

Sunshine Coast surfer Aaron Kelly has won the Red Bull Airborne trials on the Gold Coast to book his place in the main event.

Kelly won the final of the trials with a scoring wave of 6.83 (out of a possible 10) to edge out Thomas Woods (Burleigh Heads, QLD), Coby Perkovich (Bilinga, QLD), Rafael Goulart (Miami, QLD), Connor Lyons (Castaways Beach, QLD) and Callum Robson (Evans Head, NSW) respectively at Duranbah.

Aaron Kelly (Sunshine Beach, QLD) claiming victory at the Red Bull Airborne trials event at Duranbah Beach on Saturday, March 16. Picture credit: Ben Stagg, Surfing Queensland.

Kelly will now take on some of the best aerial surfers in the world including Gold Coast’s Jack Freestone and Brazilians Gabriel Medina and Felipe Toledo in the main event, to be held in conjunction with the Quiksilver and Boost Mobile Pro in April.

“I’d like to thank Noosa Boardriders for putting me forward for this event,” Kelly said.

“I’d like to thank Josh (Kerr) for hosting the event, I rarely get opportunities to compete in events like this. To make it into the main event is awesome. Airs are my go-to move, so I’m over the moon to win today.”

Aaron Kelly (Sunshine Beach, QLD) claimed victory at the Red Bull Airborne trials event at Duranbah Beach on Saturday, March 16. Picture credit: Ben Stagg, Surfing Queensland.

Contest director and former World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour surfer Kerr said he was stoked to see Kelly win.

“I’m excited for Aaron to take what he’s got to the global stage,” Kerr said.

“This aerial style of competition has been dormant for the last few years, so to bring it back is super exciting. I hope these guys enjoyed the opportunity.”

Building on the success of last year’s event in France, the series will feature three stops this year including the Gold Coast, Bali and France.