World surfing champion Wayne ‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew with Pro surfer and Southern Cross Uni student Ellie Brooks
Southern Cross student and professional surfer Ellie Brooks has been named the global ambassador for a pinnacle surf conference to be hosted at the University on the Gold Coast in 2020.
Within walking distance of some of Australia’s best surf breaks including Snapper Rocks and Duranbah, Southern Cross University Gold Coast campus recently hosted the official live launch of the Global Wave Conference, ahead of the highly-anticipated sixth biannual event next year.
Ms Brooks, a second-year Bachelor of Business Management student and member of the Mermaid Nobbys Miami Boardriders Club has spent the past year on the world tour travelling to Japan, Mexico, USA, El Salvador, Europe and Australia in the Women’s Qualifying Series, alongside her part-time online studies.
Last week the born-and-bred Gold Coaster scored the coveted wildcard entry into the Boost Mobile Pro Trials (formerly the Roxy Pro) to compete at Snapper Rocks from April 3 for her winning Instagram video entry, as announced by former pro surfer Sally Fitzgibbons.
Ms Brooks, 22, is ranked 39th in the Women’s QS after making the fourth round in Manly in March.
She said the Global Wave Conference will bring together the best international minds from the surfing, conservation, academic and innovation communities to tackle the world’s most challenging ocean issues and advance the recognition of the value of waves and their protection.
“Everything is happening and it’s all exciting. It’s huge that Australia will be hosting the Global Wave Conference in 2020 – it’s really cool,” the Coolangatta local said.
“I’m really honoured to be the global ambassador. It’s important as a surfer to support the cause, encourage everyone in the surfing community to get involved.”
Registration for the 2020 Global Wave Conference opened on Friday, 29 March 2019 when Ms Brooks joined fellow professionals and former world surfing champion Wayne ‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew for the launch at Southern Cross University. Register at
Brooks, a goofy footer with a strong backhand, is part of Southern Cross University’s Elite Athlete Program which supports students achieve academic excellence whist pursuing the demands of their sporting career.
“Southern Cross is so accommodating of my demanding competition schedule. That support makes it achievable for me to still travel and train alongside study, and I am always able to get hold of someone to reschedule exams and map out the semester rather than having to drop out of subjects,” said Ms Brooks who surfs twice a day, and trains three times a week.
“Studying on campus is the best spot too, with views overlooking Kirra Beach.”
Ms Brooks said surfing has given her a wealth of knowledge and international cultural experiences and hopes one day to use her degree to establish her own business.
