All aboard for the 2025 Bells Beach Longboard Classic

A SEA change and career change have laid the foundations for Cassie Young’s growing longboarding passion.

For the Torquay surfer, the countdown to the 2025 Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic is an exciting time. Held from September 17-21, the World Surf League (WSL) event will welcome top longboarders from across the globe.

“I’ve been working at the Torquay Visitor Information Centre for the past three years as the assistant team leader,” Cassie said.

“The town comes alive with a real buzz both in the lead-up to the longboard classic and during the event.

“We attract hundreds of surfing fans, and also visitors who want to learn more about the sport. On lay days, it’s great that people take advantage of their time here by exploring the various attractions on offer in Torquay and along the Great Ocean Road.”

As a youngster who watched the surfing movie Blue Crush, Cassie enjoyed coming to Torquay for holidays.

“I always wanted to surf but living in the country made that difficult,” she said.

“In my 30s I was working as cabin crew for Virgin Australia, and I had spare time while on layovers in Bali.

 

“I had one lesson with a local who would push me into the waves. Every layover from then on, I would go to Kuta beach and hire a board from a local and try to learn by myself.

“Once I started to get the hang of it, I joined my friend on weekend trips down the Great Ocean Road. I still remember the first green wave I caught was at Point Roadknight, from the point all the way to the beach. Then I was hooked!”

Bells Beach is the second of four stops on the WSL Longboard Tour.

Surf Coast Shire mayor Mike Bodsworth said it was an honour for Djarrak (Bells Beach) to host the only Australian leg of the championship series.

“It’s yet another major international sporting event on our calendar that showcases our region to a global audience,” he said.

“Entry to the classic is free, so I encourage locals to head down and watch the action.”

For any visitors wishing to explore the Great Ocean Road, friendly faces at the Torquay Visitor Information Centre will be ready to lend a helping hand.

The information centre is located alongside the Australian National Surfing Museum at 77 Beach Road. The museum features more than 12,000 items, along with wonderful surfing stories.

While there, spring into action and check out the bursting calendar of events this September and beyond – from markets and park runs, to cycling, concerts and festivals.

Learn more about the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic at surfcoastevents.com.au.

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