Local heroes to battle with the best

TORQUAY’s Ben Considine and Point Lonsdale’s Bea Conroy can’t wait to do their community proud when they take to the water in the WSL Bells Beach Longboard Classic this July.

The local pair will surf against the world’s best longboarders at Bells Beach from July 18 to 21.

Considine and Conroy earned a spot in the main draw of the international event by winning the Victorian Longboard Titles in May.

For Considine, it will be his second crack at the big time in front of his friends and family.

The 26-year-old was rewarded with a season wildcard in 2023 and surfed at three of the world tour spots in California, El Salvador and at Bells Beach.

Considine is looking to build on a 17th place and has been spending plenty of time surfing Bells Beach in readiness for the event.

“I’ve been putting in plenty of hours, basically exclusively surfing at Bells, and fine-tuning my equipment and approach. I’m feeling really well placed heading into it.

“I certainly feel like I learnt a lot last year travelling and spending a year on the tour.

“Part of this was the mental side of surfing, so I brought someone on to help me from that aspect and I feel it’s already making a massive difference.

“To surf in front of your friends and family on the world stage is what you dream, so I absolutely can’t wait.”

For Conroy, the experience will be even more special as she makes her debut on the world tour stage.

The 20-year-old has recently spent some time in Sri Lanka and is feeling excited for the opportunity to battle it out against the world’s best.

“It’s going to be special to surf my favourite wave with a couple out and show them how good this part of the world is.

“I am feeling refreshed and much less pressure than I have previously, so I’m excited to embrace the opportunity with no expectations.

The Bells Beach Longboard Classic will take place from July 18 to 21.

For more information, head to worldsurfleague.com