Queensland is famous for surfing and with little wonder. The weather in Queensland is perfect and the waves are ideal for competition standard surfing. Watching a surfing competition will blow your mind as people ride astonishing waves. This article will consider some of the factors involved in surfing and list a few of the famous events in Queensland every year. If you like surfing then this article will make you want to check into an apartment in Brisbane today!

Surfing involves the use of a surfboard to ride on the crest or face of a wave. There are ticks associated with riding a wave that can be completed by a competent surfer. The waves required to surf are usually found in the ocean near the shore but can also be found in some lakes and rivers at certain times of the year. Competition surfing usually takes place using big waves in the ocean.

To begin surfing the surfer must propel themselves in the same direction as the path of the wave. For smaller waves this is done by self-propelling with the use of arms and legs. In the case of larger waves the surfer can only be propelled at a great enough speed with the use of a powered tow which pulls the surfer with enough speed to be picked up by the wave.

Manoeuvring onto a wave can be difficult for beginners and often they are unable to catch the wave at all. There are different levels of difficulty when riding waves depending on the size of the wave and the speed at which it is travelling. Ideally a surfer should ‘catch’ the wave in the centre and manoeuvre up to just below the breaking point or shoulder of the wave. Those who catch the wave on the shoulder are referred to by surfers as shoulder hoppers and are deemed an obstacle in the way of more experienced surfers.

The ultimate achievement of surfing is the impressive act of tube surfing. This takes place just as the wave breaks in on itself and the surfer should ride through as the wave breaks behind them. When watching tube riding the surfer will often disappear as the wave breaks around them and coming out still standing on the board is the ultimate challenge for any surfer. This is the spectacle you can expect to see only at surfing competitions.

Surfing represents a particular culture in Australia, Hawaii and California. Whilst for most it is a recreational activity, some make it the central focus of their lives and there are several cultural elements associated with this. Most noticeably, boardshorts or boardies are associated with surfers and have become a worldwide phenomenon. There are numerous surfing brands, such as Quicksilver, which are now huge clothing chains across the world.

Some of the competitions held in Queensland each year are:

·         2011 Coast of Origin Interclub Series

·         Coast of Origin State Challenge Party

·         Surfing Queensland World Tour Trials

·         2011 Ocean and Earth Teenage Rampage

·         2011 Wahu Group Comp

All competitions promise to be fantastic as always and there is guaranteed to be a lot on offer from the pros. Learning to surf and appreciating the competitions is one of the most exciting thing you will ever experience. So book your flights and find a serviced apartment in Brisbane so you can come and appreciate this national wonder.