The eyes of the bodysurfing world will be focused on a Sunshine Coast beach this weekend, when a rapidly-growing event is held.
The second annual Coolum Wedge competition will be contested at Coolum.
One of the world’s most famous bodysurfers, Leticia Parada, will be watching on from Brazil as a record numbers of females battle it out for this year’s top gong.
Leticia, a professional bodysurfer who founded ‘Ela No Mar’, the world’s first and only bodysurfing channel on YouTube, has got behind the event and will sponsor the Mermaids division.
State MP for Ninderry Dan Purdie said it was great to see the competition target more female competitors and attract the attention of an international champion.
“The Coolum Wedge may only be in its infancy, but already it’s creating waves in the bodysurfing movement and attracting competitors from across the country,” he said.
“I can’t wait to see some of our top local talent, including the Crouch sisters, battle it out in the search for the nation’s top bodysurfers, right here in Coolum Beach.”
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Competition organiser Darren Verrenkemp said they had championed diversity in this year’s event, boasting a 75 per cent increase in female participation.
“Last year 15-year-old Lyla Crouch took out all competitors to win the Juniors Division, so we can’t wait to see what she brings this year, especially coming up against younger sister Tallow, who is a surf swim champion, and poses a real threat,” he said.
The Coolum Wedge gets underway at Coolum Beach from Saturday, followed by the finals on Sunday. To find our more see Coolum Wedge.
