This Way In: A Monster Energy Preview of the 2026 Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro

Location, Location, Location
Snapper Rocks is where high-performance surfing goes to stretch out. Long, running right-handers peel down the Superbank giving the world’s best surfers a canvas to connect turns, tubes and the occasional air.

Set on the southern edge of the Gold Coast, Snapper brings a completely different energy to the Tour. Warm water, packed beaches, and a buzzing town that feels like it was built around surfing — because it kinda was. This wave has bred more world champs than any other on this planet. And after two demanding stops at Bells and Margaret River, this is where rhythm, flow and precision get you to the podium.

The 2026 Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro runs May 1–11. Watch it on worldsurfleague.com and cheer on the Monster crew!

Monster Threats
Gabriel Medina: He’s currently No. 1 in the world and if there were any doubt in his mind that he could still dominate the tour, it’s gone.
Yago Dora: He’s off to a strong start this year, and his backhand attack could be a point of differentiation at a wave that typically favors the regularfooters.
Ethan Ewing: A quasi-homecoming for the kid from North Straddie. Expect his power and Gold Coast knowledge to take him far in this comp.
Crosby Colapinto: Crosby’s had glimpses of brilliance already this year. He’ll look to turn those moments into momentum at Snapper.
Seth Moniz: He’s had a shaky start to the year, but with no mid-year cut this season, Seth still has time to find his footing. Snapper could be his start.
Filipe Toledo: He’s won this contest twice. A third would catapult him into the title race where he belongs.
Joel Vaughan: When fans and judges are thirsty for something fresh, Joel’s surfing is a chilled drink on a hot day. Expect his energy to match Snapper’s this week.
Al Cleland Jr.: After two 1,000-point finishes to kick off the season, Al will look to heat up in the warm waves of Snapper as he finds his 2026 rhythm.
Bettylou Sakura Johnson: She’s one of the best tube riders on tour, and locals like Joel Parkinson are saying this contest is going to be a “barrelfest.”  

Three Questions
What’s the forecast looking like? Good. Finally. Looking at an overhead SE swell, with prime conditions. Right out the gate! Can you believe it?

How’s the sand bank? Super. Seriously, though. Locals are saying it's the best they’ve seen in years. 

What makes Snapper so good?
It’s engineered to perfection. Sand is pumped from across the Tweed River and pushed north along the coast, building the Superbank — a long, perfectly groomed sand pointbreak that starts at Snapper and runs for kilometers down the point. It’s one of the most mechanical (non-wave pool) waves in the world.