Surfers at Snapper battle photo fans at Quiksilver and Roxy Pros
THE humble autograph has become the latest victim in the technology revolution at Snapper Rocks this week.
Surfing
Don't miss out on the headlines from Surfing. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE humble autograph has become the latest victim in the technology revolution.
No longer do professional surfers get bombarded with permanent markers and autograph books but instead have to pose for a “selfie” with their fans.
During yesterday’s Roxy Pro event at Snapper Rocks, surfers were often stopped more than 10 times to get selfies with their fans as they made their way from the beach to the surfers’ tent.
Sisters Tiana and Nikki Clark spent their day snapping selfies with their favourite wave riders, including Currumbin-based surfer and world No. 2 Tyler Wright.
“We like selfies better than autographs because a photo lasts longer,” Nikki, 18, said.
“We can put it up on our Instagram and Facebook accounts and show all our friends straight away.
“Last year we sat on the beach for four hours to get selfies with the surfers.
“My favourite has been with Julian Wilson while Tiana was excited to meet Tyler Wright and Sally Fitzgibbons.”
NEWS: LATEST ON QUIKSILVER AND ROXY PROS
GALLERY: QUIKSILVER AND ROXY PROS
While the subject of selfies can be polarising among professional surfers, Wright believes it has become part of life in the public eye.
The 22-year-old said she struggled with the idea early in her career but is becoming used to the trend.
One of the most popular selfie subjects at this year’s Roxy Pro was Sally Fitzgibbons. Despite losing her knockout heat against Brazil’s Silvana Lima, the 24-year-old still took the time to get selfies with fans.
“I love the interaction (and) I think it encourages more people to come down and watch us surf.”
In yesterday’s other heats, Tweed Coast surfer Stephanie Gilmore progressed to the quarter-finals. Organisers of the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro said they expect both comps to run tomorrow.
Coolangatta Gold: Iron champs divided as iconic race cut in half
The Coolangatta Gold, surf lifesaving’s most iconic endurance race, will undergo its most dramatic transformation yet in 2025, leaving past winners divided: Is this race still the Cooly Gold?
Shock call made on future of world surfing tour event
Surfing’s global governing body has made a huge call on the future of the world tour schedule beyond 2028 in the wake of the Gold Coast Pro. Full details here.