Alternates announced for the Bells Beach 50 Year Storm

THE public has spoken and 20 alternates for the 2023 Bells Beach 50 Year Storm surfing event in memory of local legend Shaun Brooks are set.

The 20 surfers who have received alternate status have been seeded in order from one to twenty and will gain a spot in the event if any of the 40 previously qualified invitees can not participate on the day.

Alternates include former world tour competitor Glyndon Ringrose, 2022 U/16 ISA world junior surfing champion Willis Droomer and local charger Carlo Lowdon who was a close friend of Shaun’s before his passing.

“There are always some people that can’t make the event, so there is always a chance those on the alternate list will get a crack at surfing the biggest waves this winter,” event committee member Carlo Lowdon said.

“It’s once again a fantastic list of alternates, made up of some incredible surfers from across the state and I’m sure any of the people on the list, if called upon, will have an absolute ball and take it in their stride!

“Obviously the event has only run once in its history, so fingers crossed this year can be that second time lucky!”

This year’s event will again shed light on mental health and wellbeing.

The Bells Beach 50 Year Storm surfing event waiting period kicks off on June 1 and extends until July 31, with an opening ceremony on Saturday, June 3, at Bells Beach.

More details can be found at instagram.com/bellsbeach50yearstorm