Wave Break Island Challenge
Saturday 18 July 2026 | 10:00 AM
Main Beach
An inclusive, community-focused paddle for recreational and competitive paddlers across multiple craft disciplines to experience the Gold Coast Broadwater.
The Wave Break Island Challenge brings together paddlers of all ages, abilities and craft types to experience the iconic waterways of the Gold Coast Broadwater. Designed to promote participation, healthy lifestyles and community connection, the event provides an enjoyable and professionally managed paddling experience in one of Queensland’s premier coastal recreation destinations.
The event features a single 12-kilometre course commencing and finishing at The Paddle House, Southport. Participants will paddle north through the Broadwater past Wave Break Island before continuing towards Runaway Bay. The course then turns south, following the sheltered waters of the Broadwater towards the Broadwater Parklands before a final turn back to The Paddle House and the finish line. The course offers a balance of challenge and accessibility, showcasing the region’s spectacular waterways while remaining suitable for a wide range of paddling abilities.
Participants may compete on a variety of paddle craft including surf skis, ocean skis, stand up paddleboards (SUP), outrigger canoes, sea kayaks and other paddle-powered craft. The event encourages both recreational and competitive paddlers to challenge themselves in a safe and supportive environment.
The Wave Break Island Challenge aims to foster participation, develop paddling skills and strengthen connections across the paddling community. By bringing together clubs, volunteers, families and supporters, the event celebrates the diversity of paddlesports while providing opportunities for paddlers to engage with the sport, develop confidence on the water and progress into future events and club activities.
Aligned with Paddle Queensland’s vision of “More People Paddling, More of the Time”, the event showcases the recreational, environmental and tourism value of the Gold Coast Broadwater while contributing to community wellbeing, active lifestyles and regional economic activity.
Getting there
Consider using public transport or active travel. Plan your trip with Translink's journey planner.
Parking may be limited. For metered parking, use the EasyPark app to start, end, and extend your parking direct from your phone to avoid fines. For more information visit City of Gold Coast's Parking page.
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