In the early 80’s a group of passionate surfers from the Coolum area began hosting surf contests, encouraging locals from across the region to join them and take to the waves of Coolum Beach.
Fast forward to 2022 and the CBRC, are one of the most respected clubs in the country with the club preparing to celebrate their 41st anniversary.
During their first four decades, the Sunshine Coasters have enjoyed remarkable individual and club success, with a host of members representing at State, National and international level with the club proudly producing four World Champions, Jye Gofton (1991), Paul Ward (1992), Julian Wilson (2006), and most recently Isabella Nichols (2015).
With an abundance of natural talent amongst their ranks, the Coolum beach boardriders have assembled a strong team as they prepare for January’s Usher Cup.
18-year-old Kai Barraclough leads the team, the talented teen collecting a swag of trophies this year including the Open Club Champion, Yaroomba classic junior champion and runner up for Bali’s Invitational Bingin Pro Series.
In 2021, Kai took out the Northern districts school champion title along with the Coolum’s champion of champion’s crown.
Ellia Smith will also make her way to the Gold Coast determined to figure on the final day of the women’s contest. Ranked 45 in the Women’s Qualifying series this year, the nineteen-year-old has her eyes set on WSL and Olympic team selection.
A three-time Surfing Queensland state champion, Ellia is a fierce competitor who despite her early success is really starting to hit her straps.
Gabriel Ribeiro, the 36-year-old professional surfer is the team’s elder statesman, the professional surfer named Coolum Boardriders club open men’s champion in 2021. The club is still to list their fourth and final competitor.
Male and female surfers nominated to represent their clubs at the Usher Cup will compete for equal prizemoney on one of the world’s most iconic surf breaks.
To stay up to date with Coolum’s competitors’ performance throughout the Usher Cup, ensure you attend or watch the live stream from the 19th to the 22nd of January 2023 hosted at Snapper Rocks, Gold Coast.
Usher Cup 2023 is proudly supported by Tourism and Events Queensland & the City Of Gold Coast. Media partner @SEAFM909 & host club @snapperrockssc