Coolum Beach is set to host the fourth annual ‘King of Coolum’ Thundercats Race this weekend (July 9-10), welcoming the nation’s top Thundercat crews in an epic battle to secure the prestigious title win.
The high-speed surf racing event will be held over two days and, with a predicted 2-4M swell promising plenty of spectator thrills and spills, it’s the perfect family-friendly way to end Queensland’s winter school holidays.
Presented by Coolum Business and Tourism Association, ‘King Of Coolum’ has become Australia’s premier Thundercat event and continues to attract the highest-ranking Thundercat pilots and co-pilots to Coolum’s challenging beach break as they put their skills to the ultimate test.
“We are very excited to have the Thundercats back in Coolum. They always put on a spectacular show with their high speeds and aerials,” Coolum Business and Tourism President, Malcolm Chilman said.
“The timing of the event coincides with school holidays which gives our tourists and locals something interesting to do, and another reason to visit Coolum.
“These events help boost our local economy through supporting local businesses, as well as branding Coolum as a destination.
“Coolum Business and Tourism has organised the event over the last four years, and it’s only through the efforts of our volunteers and local business sponsors that this event is possible.
“ We’re hoping for great weather and maybe a bit of swell as well to make things interesting,” he added.
Thundercat racing is a high-speed extreme water sport, featuring 4.1 metre-long inflatable catamaran-style surf boats that can reach speeds of up to 90 km per hour and jump up to six metres in the air, providing plenty of thrilling action for spectators.
With reigning ‘Kings of Coolum’ Jacob Gaby and Rob Van der Westhuizen racing in separate crews this year and the usual representation from New Zealand missing, the 2016 title is well and truly up for grabs.
“It’s going to be an interesting weekend to say the least. Unfortunately, we wont have any official Kiwi crews racing due to illness but there’s a couple of ring-ins scattered through the Aussie competitors that will be flying the NZ flag,” said Brisbane Coast Thundercats President and Race Director, John Kerrisk.
“We’ve got several newly qualified crews racing at Coolum for the first time this weekend and, with the swell predicted to get up over 4.5M on Sunday, they’ll certainly be put to the test.
“It’s a safe bet too that former multiple King of Coolum champs, Nick Routledge and Tony Aitkenhead will be itching to regain the trophy they unceremoniously lost last year. We can’t wait!”
‘King of Coolum’ is a family and spectator friendly surf-racing event, presented by Coolum Business and Tourism Association and Brisbane Coast Thundercats Club. Local business members have sponsored individual boats and, with races called live from the beach, the surf-cross format always delivers plenty of excitement and a fun beachside atmosphere.
The free ‘King of Coolum’ event will be held in front of Coolum Beach Surf Club between 9am and 2pm on both Saturday and Sunday the 9th and 10th of July 2016, with boats competing across both A and B Grade divisions. It’s free, adrenalin-fuelled fun for all to watch and a perfect ending to the School holiday period.
