Coolum Beach to host 2025 IBSA Bodysurfing World Tour Finals

Coolum Beach has been officially recognized by the international bodysurfing community and selected to host the 2025 IBSA Bodysurfing World Tour Finals.

This marks only the second edition of the prestigious International Bodysurfing Championships and cements Coolum’s reputation as a top-tier global surf destination.

The holding period for the event is set from April 28 to May 7, 2025, with competition being mobile across the Sunshine Coast to ensure the best possible wave conditions.

This exciting announcement follows the success of the Coolum Wedge Bodysurfing Festival, an annual competition that attracts Australia’s top bodysurfers. The event is also a key IBSA BWT Qualifying Series competition, where athletes battle for a place in the Finals.

A Major Boost for Coolum and the Sunshine Coast

The Honourable Member for Ninderry MP and Police Minister Dan Purdie hailed the event as a significant achievement for the region.

“We already know we have some of the best surfing conditions in the world, and to play host to an international event attracting the world’s greatest bodysurfers, together with an international audience, is better than any paid advertising campaign,” Mr. Purdie said.

“The economic benefits alone from hundreds of competitors and their families will bolster local tourism operators, with the flow-on effects to every other small business in the food chain.”

The Rise of Coolum Wedge and IBSA’s Global Vision

Darren Verrenkamp, co-founder of the Coolum Wedge Bodysurfing Festival, credited the rapid growth and success of the festival as a major factor in securing the Finals.

“In just a few short years, we’ve managed to grow this event into Australia’s premier competition, attracting competitors from around the world. We’re excited and proud that we’ve made such an impact in such a short time to secure this event.”

The Coolum Wedge Festival is known for its all-inclusive and community-driven atmosphere, with divisions catering to all ages—from 10 to 85 years old. Whether a casual bodysurfer or a seasoned competitor, athletes thrive in an event where sportsmanship and camaraderie take center stage.

This success aligns with the vision of the International Bodysurfing Association, the governing body for bodysurfing worldwide. The IBSA Bodysurfing World Tour includes qualification events in five global regions, culminating in the Finals in Coolum.

Federal Member for Fairfax and Australian Shadow Energy Minister Ted O’Brien emphasized the global exposure this event will bring, especially as Queensland prepares to host the 2032 Olympic Games.

Event Schedule

Coolum Wedge Festival (including IBSA QS event): April 24–27, 2025

IBSA Bodysurfing World Tour Finals: April 28 – May 7, 2025

Official Poster Revealed

To mark the countdown to the IBSA Bodysurfing World Tour Finals, the official event poster has been unveiled today, capturing the excitement and energy of this historic competition.

For more information, visit the Coolum Wedge Festival website: https://coolumwedge.com/