The Quiksilver & Roxy Pro 2011

Climate Wave was on a mission at the Quiky Pro 2011 with the launch of our campaign “Support surfing events to go green” we were on site to gather support for our cause and to investigate the environmental practices put in place for the event.

After a meeting with contest director Rod Brooks, who took us to meet Matt Wilson, responsible for managing the event for Quiksilver, we started gathering signatures for our cause. From the very start the support was excellent, World Champions Wendy Botha, Wayne” Rabbit” Bartholomew, Martin Potter and Tom Carroll and many other surfing icons signed our cause and backed our initiative.

They all agreed that adopting green guidelines should be the way of the future for the management of surfing events. Inspecting the structure of the event which looked very impressive, Snapper Rocks became an esplanade of shops, food outlets, trailers and stages, with people cruising along checking all the action and surf stars. “Best” was the theme for the event and T-shirts, caps and posters were expressing what people thought was the best. However I think they missed out on the “Best” opportunity to increase their environmental credentials and educate the public.

Climate Wave Enterprises attempted to approach the professional surfers to support our cause but most were unattainable and understandably they were there to surf, that’s their job. Although we will be pursuing their support to add the pressure needed for surfing to become the greenest sports circuit in the world.

The environmental practices noted during the event were:

Selective rubbish bins with designated lids
Water fountains instead of plastic bottles
Surfrider Foundation were given permission to set up on the outside of the Quiksilver perimeter to activate two of their campaigns, “Rise above plastics” and the Garnier “Help us turn the tide”
Many passers bye were keen to pluck weeds and help rejuvenate the dune care site at Rainbow Bay. The beach clean-up bagged very little due to the extensive manicure Gold Coast City Council give to this park.
There was also a free park’n ride bus for weekend visitors provided by sponsors of the event, Connecting Southern Gold Coast who stipulated in their agreement that this environmental service be available.They also funded an Economic Impact Survey of the event

The Quiksilver & Roxy Pro was a successful event and the surfers presented an extraordinaire level of surfing. Congratulations to the girls, who more than ever before stepped up another level, earning respect from all. And what can we say? Kelly Slater is king and won his 46th event in challenging chopping conditions.

From the marketing point of view the event was huge, but what are the real benefits of it all? What was left from it? How did the local community or the local environment benefited from it? These are questions unanswered and will be looked into.

Guil Araujo & Greg Howell

Working for the planet

Climate Wave would like to thank these people that supported our campaign at the event.