Surfing resumes at Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach

Nadia Erostarbe is in at action at Bells Beach today in the women's round of 16. Photo: ED SLOANE/WSL

COMPETITION has been called on at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy, Stop No. 5 of the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT).

The Women’s Round of 16 started at 7.35am today (Thursday, April 24), followed by the men’s Round of 32 heats 1 to 12.

Competition will run at Winkipop today with the back-up site offering super clean surf in the three-to-four foot range which should continue through the bottom and top of the tides today.

In the opening heat of the day, world No. 3 Molly Picklum (AUS) took on reigning WSL World Junior Champion Luana Silva (BRA) at Winkipop, with Silva progressing to the quarter finals.

Nadia Erostarbe (ESP) comes into the Round of 16 off the back of a solid performance in the Elimination Round and will need to step it up again if she’s to overcome 2025 form surfer Gabriela Bryan (HAW) in Heat 5.

When the men’s competition gets under way, Heat 3 will be one to watch as Bells standouts Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) and Liam O’Brien (AUS) go head-to-head for a spot in the Round of 16 here at the Rip Curl Pro.

Rip Curl Trials Winner Morgan Cibilic (AUS) will need to bring his A-game when he comes up against reigning Bells winner Cole Houshmand (USA) in Heat 7 of the men’s Round of 32.

For more information, head to worldsurfleague.com