GOLD COAST MARINE EXPO: Futuristic and fun toys

Organisers of the Gold Coast Marine Expo say that a vast array of fun and exciting new products are set for first-release at the Expo from October 17-19 – some for the first time in Queensland, some for the first time in Australia, and some for the first time in the world.

The growing list of product premieres – already more than double last year’s number – includes some of the world’s most esteemed marine brands and certainly delivers on the Expo promise of being ‘much more than a boat show’.

Expo chairman Patrick Gay AM said the event will feature ‘all things aquatic.

"In fact, 'everything' casts such a wide net that it also covers style-setting marine fashion, practical safety equipment, fantastic fun accessories, much-needed maintenance products and all sorts of handy gadgets and gizmos designed to make your summer on the water one to treasure for a lifetime," he said.

"We are extremely excited by the massive vote of confidence the marine industry has shown in the Expo – early demand prompted us to expand the event site and the fact we are almost 100 per cent full with trade exhibitors reinforces that our decision to bring the date of the Expo forward was correct.

"It really is the best chance to get out on the water before the summer rush and, with live attractions and demonstrations every 15 minutes, we are supremely confident that this year’s Expo will indeed be the biggest and best yet."

The huge range of new and innovative boats to be unveiled at this year’s Expo, at the Gold Coast Marine Precinct at Coomera, ranges from luxurious sports yachts and specialist fishing vessels to family recreation boats and inflatable dinghies.

And as for toys, Event and Marketing Manager Emma Milne advises Expo-goers to get set for a great summer with the debut of the fastest production jet ski on the planet, the first-release of futuristic and fun personal water craft accessories, as well as power-assisted snorkelling equipment and versatile inflatable water toys such as stand-up paddleboards.

"The Expo is so much more than just a boat show," she said. "We have extreme high-diving, fishing and live cooking demonstrations, the 12km Coomera Cup paddle race, factory tours as well as a heap of activities for the kids.

Emma Milne said experiencing life beneath the water is about to get a whole lot more interesting with the release of the new Sea-Doo Seascooter from RIB Force Inflatables.

The Expo has also been confirmed for the official Queensland release of the highly anticipated, limited edition 2015 Kawasaki Ultra 310R – the fastest Jet Ski on the planet.

Ms Milne said the 310R – at the Jet Ski World stand – draws on decades of championship-winning racing experience and its deep-V hull design offers superb straight-line tracking and precise cornering … and excellent all-day comfort.

"And as far as cool contraptions go, the Hoverboard is possibly the most anticipated futuristic thrill-seeking accessory of all time. It was in the 1989 blockbuster Back to the Future II that Marty McFly (aka Michael J Fox) introduced the world to the Hoverboard – a jet-propelled skateboard without wheels," she said.

And then there’s the Jetovator, which also taps the power of personal water craft – it combines the acrobatic aptitudes of an aircraft with simplicity of riding a motorbike and meets the growing demand for innovative and exciting water sports experiences.

Ms Milne said Gold Coast Boat and Jet Ski Licensing will also be offering an approved online learning environment that offers the flexibility of completing the theory component of boat or personal water craft licences in your own time, online.

"And Noble Boats International is also bringing its rigid and stable range of inflatable stand-up paddleboards to the Expo – they can be deflated, folded and carried as a backpack, and quickly re-inflated for convenient and quick fun at the beach," she said.

The not-for-profit Expo will again offer free on-site parking for visitors and has a nominal entry fee of $8 for adults, $5 for seniors, and children under the age of 15 years are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. All proceeds will go towards supporting beneficiary charities – Rotary Club of Coomera River, Sailability Gold Coast, Westpac Lifesaver Helicopter Rescue Service and the Sea World Research & Rescue Foundation.

For more information and purchase tickets online go to: www.gcmarineexpo.com.au