There’s an air of hope for surfing high flyers

QUEENSLAND surfers have the chance to snare a spot in the Australian leg of the spectacular Red Bull Airborne Series.

A berth in the main event – which will be held as part of the Corona Open Gold Coast at Snapper Rocks from March 26 – will be allocated to the winner of trials at Duranbah this weekend.

A decision will be made late this week after conditions are assessed as to whether the trials are held on Saturday or Sunday.

The top surfer from the trials will go head to head with some of the best aerial surfers in the world such as Gold Coast’s Jack Freestone and Noah Deane, and Brazilians Italo Ferreira, Gabriel Medina and Felipe Toledo.

Last year’s trials event winner Aaron Kelly (Noosa) has put his name in the draw once again and is looking forward to throwing some aerial manoeuvres this weekend.

“I was pretty lucky to be selected by Noosa Boardriders Club to compete last year – I ended up winning and got into the main comp,” Kelly said.

“The conditions at Duranbah were pretty similar to my home break (Sunshine Beach).

“I’m excited about the event this weekend. I’m not a competitive surfer but these air events are something that I like.”

This unique contest was codeveloped by former WSL Championship Tour surfer Josh Kerr, of Australia, in a bid to provide surfers and fans with an exciting new spectacle.

“The Airborne Series is all about going big,” Kerr said.

“The surfers get to use their creativity and commitment to showcase their biggest aerial moves in a really fun competition format.

“The qualifying event gives the locals a shot at joining the big names during the main event at Snapper where it’s broadcast worldwide.

“It looks like we will have some solid waves this weekend for the qualifier (and) I’m expecting some big airs with solid sections to give everyone a shot.”