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If you're a surfer juggling a 9-to-5, family duties, and still chasing that next clean session, this monthly wrap is for you. May on the Gold Coast brings autumn lining up nicely with early winter swell, plus a stacked first half of the month for events. We've pulled together the must-knows on conditions, what just happened, and what's still coming.
Stephanie Gilmore and Ethan Ewing after winning the 2026 Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro. Photo: Beatriz Ryder / WSL.
🏆 Just Wrapped: Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro 2026
The Championship Tour returned to Snapper Rocks for the first time since Cyclone Alfred chewed up the sandbank in early 2025, and the rebuild delivered. The event ran May 1 to 4 and crowned two Australians:
- Stephanie Gilmore picked up her seventh Gold Coast Pro title and 34th CT event win, extending her own all-time record. The 38-year-old reminded everyone exactly why she's the Queen of Snapper.
- Ethan Ewing closed out Connor O'Leary in the Final to claim his third career CT win, in front of a home crowd.
If you missed it, WSL's full event highlights are up on their site. Worth a watch even if you're not normally a comp head, the conditions delivered some of the best Snapper waves in years.
🌊 Wave Check: Surf Conditions in May 2026
Autumn is in full swing and the surf is holding consistent. The southern points (Snapper Rocks, Greenmount, Kirra) are still in their prime window before the peak winter months kick in.
Swell: A mix of easterly and southeasterly groundswells dominates this time of year. Set waves on the better days should sit in the chest to head-high range (around 3 to 5ft), with the occasional overhead clean-up when the wind cooperates.
Wind & Weather: Light offshore winds from the west most mornings, grooming those lines into glassy autumn perfection. Skies stay sunny with crisp mornings (you'll feel that pre-dawn chill, but daytime stays mild).
Water Temp: The ocean is cooling but still comfortable, around 22 to 24°C. Many locals are pulling springsuits out of the closet this month.
🎥 Still Coming: Flotsam Festival (May 1 to 14)
A two-week celebration of surf film, photography, and music spanning Burleigh to Coolangatta. Pop-up exhibitions, beachside cinema nights, and live music, mostly free, ticketed for the bigger events. If you've ever wanted to feel the pulse of Goldie surf culture beyond just paddling, this is your week. Programme on the festival's site.
🏫 Australian Interschools Surfing Championships (May 13 to 15)
Surfing Australia's Interschools comp lands on the Gold Coast for three days mid-month. School teams from across the country, all age divisions. Worth a look if you've got groms in the family or just want to scope the next generation of pros early.
📍 Local Cafés Worth a Visit
- Paddock Bakery, Burleigh Heads: Set in an old Queenslander, with a garden that's perfect for arriving sandy after a Burleigh Point session. Top pastries, top coffee.
- Elk Espresso, Broadbeach: Serious coffee, creative brunches, always buzzing with surfers. Specialty brews that hit hard after an early paddle.
- Barefoot Barista, Palm Beach: Chilled vibe, healthy options including vegan and gluten-free. Close to Palmy's better breaks, which makes it a logical post-surf stop.
That's the lowdown for May. Goldie's just been gifted two iconic Snapper-era moments back to back (Alfred recovery + a Gilmore/Ewing CT win), the swell is consistent, and there's still a festival and an Interschools comp to enjoy. Get out there, support a few events, and most importantly: have fun and stay safe 🏄🌊
