World’s best surfers welcomed to Bells Beach

THE World Surf League (WSL) has thanked its local, national and global partners and athletes at an event in Torquay this week to launch the 2025 Bells Beach Longboard Classic.

More than 60 people attended the annual Athletes and Partners Function on Tuesday this week at the Australian National Surfing Museum.

Sam Bleakley and Bob Smith.

Tony Silvagni, Adrianne Ranck and Harrison Roach. Photos: PETER MARSHALL

WSL commentator Sam Bleakley hosted proceedings.

Surf Coast Shire mayor Mike Bodsworth addresses the room.

More than 60 people gathered for the Bells Beach Longboard Classic Athlete and Partners Function.

Peter Murphy, Adam Robertson, Lisa Kinghorn and Jarrad Howse.

Kelis, Kaniela, Malia, Taylor, Honolua, Kula, Raign and Clay.

Taka, Kaede, Sakura and Takamama.

Sam Christianson, Kai Ellice-Flint, Ian Borland and Kim Molnar.

Will Hayden-Smith, Tom Bennett, Cait Miers and Jett North.

The event was hosted by WSL commentator Sam Bleakley and feature a special welcome from WSL senior manager of global development tours and longboards Will Hayden-Smith and Surf Coast Shire mayor Mike Bodsworth.

Participating male and female surfers in the event were presented with special gift bags to mark their achievement.

The Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic will run until this Sunday, September 21.

For more information, head to worldsurfleague.com