Male Competitors during Transition Leg at Miami Beach
The Coolangatta Gold, Cooly Gold is one of the most gruelling and challenging endurance races in surf sports. The 41.8 km multi-disciplinary course combines swimming, running, board paddling and surf skiing in the ocean and along the beaches of the spectacular Gold Coast.
What began as the central theme for a motion picture of the same name 30 years ago, has now commanded a place on Australia’s calendar of prestigious sporting events. The iconic event was held here on the Gold Coast on 10 & 11 October this year.
Female Competitor in transition after 23km Ski Paddle
The Cooly Gold starts and finishes at Coolangatta Beach with a 23km ski paddle to Broadbeach and back to North Burleigh, before competitors do a short run of 1.8km, swim leg of 3.5km, board paddle of 6.1km from Burleigh Heads to Currumbin, then a tough run on soft sand of 7.1km to Coolangatta and the finish line.
View of the Event from North Burleigh to Burleigh Heads
Along the course competitors have handlers that help them with their water craft, attire and sports drinks and energy food to keep them hydrated and energized throughout the long course. You can imagine how physically demanding this event is!
Finish of Ski Leg at Miami Beach
As a family we were heavily involved in surf sports and ocean ironman events, spending a lot of our time ferrying our kids to swim training, board and ski training and attending surf carnivals on the Gold Coast and further afield. Although, work, study and travel has taken precedent over surf sport, we still take a keen interest in the Cooly Gold every year it takes place.
Our son, Sam has competed in this event on two occasions which was a huge sacrifice with months and months of training and preparation going into the race in the lead up to the big day. Both times he finished in the top 20 out of 100 or more competitors, some of which are professionals at the sport, so he certainly did himself proud.
Sam at the Start Line in 2011
If anything it going to draw attention to the Gold Coast’s spectacular coastline and beaches, then this would be the one event that showcases it to perfection. Here are some photos of the Cooly Gold from past years of competition.
Getting Ready to Race
End of Ski Leg at Rainbow Bay
Long Run Leg to the Finish
Gel Shot for Body Fuel during the Gruelling Run Leg
Finish Line at Surfers Paradise
The Cooly Gold is a wonderful event. The entry numbers into this iconic event have dropped off over the years and I can’t help but think that it may no longer be contested. Like any sport, the comittment to hours upon hours of rigorous training is required by the competitors and sponsorships or support for athletes is very sparse. It would be a shame to lose such an event.
When I look back on those years I wonder how I managed to ferry my kids around to different sports and recreational interests, plus work part-time and look after a household. Did you spend a lot of time ferrying your kids to sport’s training or watching them play sport when they were young?
Comments are closed.
Johanna
October 23, 2015The Cooly Gold looks like such a fun event, and my what a good looking son you have! Yes, I know – where did we find the time to run our kids around to all manner of sporting events and extra mural activities. And where did all that energy go!!
Kathy
October 23, 2015The Cooly Gold is a wonderful event that really shows off Gold Coast beaches and our lifestyle. I often ask myself that question Jo – how did I do all that and still have energy!! Old age is setting in. :)
budgettraveltalk
October 25, 2015Really the Cooly Gold represents the Aussie Lifestyle. Sun Surf and Sand and even if you aren’t fit enough to compete you can have fun spectating. I’ve done the normal amount of ferrying kids around for sport and dancing. I’m glad that is over now, but it was acceptable at the time.
Kathy
October 25, 2015It really does Jan. I love this event and hope that it doesn’t disappear from the Gold Coast’s sporting event calendar. I guess we ferried our kids around for a good cause – but I’m not sure why! My daughter quite often says her dancing, piano and swimming lessons were all really a big waste of time and money! She is so ungrateful!! :)