PARKO RAISES GLASS TO RETIREMENT AS SURFERS CELEBRATE
GOLD Coast surfing legend Joel Parkinson is relishing spending more time with his beer than his competitive board after his recent retirement from the sport.
Strutting his first red carpet for the annual World Surf League awards last night, ‘Parko’ told the Bulletin: “Usually the last three days leading up to an event is the most stressful time of the year. Right now I’ve never been so relaxed.
“I’ve been doing lots of stuff with my beer company Balter and things for Billabong.
“I’ve been busy but I’m really enjoying it.”
Local world champion trio Mick Fanning, Parkinson and Stephanie Gilmore were among the big names who swapped wetsuits for suits and gowns at surfing’s night of nights at Star Gold Coast.
Gilmore won a seventh world title in November but for the former Kingscliff High School student, the WSL’s decision to award pay parity to men and women was an even bigger moment.
“It was an amazing feeling but it really was an explanation mark, knocking down those barriers and setting the standards on what should be normal,” she said.
Surfing legend Kelly Slater told the Bulletin he was staying on the Gold Coast until June.
“I’ve only been here for about three days. I’m here until June but I’m back and forth,” he said, admitting Kirra was still his favourite surf spot on the Coast.
New parent and Gold Coast surf pro Jack Freestone was out with partner Alana Blanchard for their first night socialising without their 16month-old baby.
“We kinda’ have anxiety not being with him right now,” Freestone said.
“This is actually our first night out together without the baby. It’s really weird. It’s been over a year. Our single friends must be over us by now.”