Surf’s up, lights up: floodlight-lit night surfing could be coming to the Gold Coast – but could it bring unwanted fins?

Source: The Guardian — Australia By Joe Hinchliffe 10-11-2026, 14:00

Lighting up Snapper Rocks by night could help with overcrowding, but some fear permanent floodlights could attract sharks or turn their community into a theme park

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As the sun sets on one of the world’s most iconic breaks, thousands of surfers paddle into one last wave, exit the water and disappear into the bright lights of the Gold Coast. But that could change after the city council this week endorsed plans to floodlight Snapper Rocks – a famous rocky outcrop and world-class right-hand point break, located at the southern end of Rainbow Bay – for night surfing.

The $100,000 temporary trial would be part of the 2027 World Surf League championship tour event held at Coolangatta, the southernmost suburb of the Australian coastal city.

In brief

Lighting up Snapper Rocks by night could help with overcrowding, but some fear permanent floodlights could attract sharks or turn their community into a theme park Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast As the sun sets on one of the world’s most iconic breaks, thousands of surfers paddle into one last wave, exit the water and disappear into the bright lights of the Gold Coast. But that could change after the city council this week endorsed plans to floodlight Snapper Rocks – a famous rocky outcrop and world-class right-hand point break, located at the southern end of Rainbow Bay – for night surfing. The $100,000 temporary trial would be part of the 2027 World Surf Lea…

This is the opening of the story, shared with credit to The Guardian — Australia. The rest of the report — with every detail — continues on the publisher’s website.

Continue reading at The Guardian — Australia ↗

Surf’s up, lights up: floodlight-lit night surfing could be coming to the Gold Coast – but could it bring unwanted fins?

In brief

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