Huxtable and Harrison book spot in Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach

Jan Juc’s Xavier Huxtable and Barwon Heads surfer Ellie Harrison have reigned supreme in today’s (Saturday 28 March) Rip Curl Pro Trials at Winkipop.

The local pair put on an unstoppable display in the water to oust more than 32 of the state’s best athletes all looking to earn a wildcard into the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach.

Huxtable with a searing turn off the top of the wave. Photo: Nathan Rivalland

Huxtable was on fire throughout the day, using his slick rail game and signature forehand carve to his advantage in the the tricky onshore waves.

The 23-year-old won all his heats on the way to the final, but competitors Willis Droomer (Torquay), Lucas Hickson (Rye) and Jarvis Barrow (Jan Juc) did not make it easy.

Willis Droomer put on a fine display throughout the event. Photo: Nathan Rivalland

Huxtable posted the highest wave of the final, a 6.83-point ride, to just knock off Droomer, who fell narrowly short on the required score on his last wave.

“I’m so stoked to get the win, the boys have been ripping the whole day and it went right down to the wire,” Huxtable said.

“To be in the main event again is just a dream, I’ve been thinking about it all year.

“I’ve had a massive year with the Challenger Series, and I’m so grateful to now have the chance to surf against the world’s best at Bells.”

Today’s win is third time Huxtable has scored a wildcard into the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach.

Xavier Huxtable takes in his win in the men’s trials final. Photo: Nathan Rivalland

At last year’s Pro, he defeated world number one Italo Ferreira in a shock upset.

Ellie Harrison triumphed in the women’s field, surfing with precision and style to lock in her spot.

Like Huxtable, Harrison won all of her heats on the way to her second win at the Trials.

Her 13.33-point total (out of a possible 20) was enough to defeat last year’s wildcard winner Carly Shanahan (Jan Juc), Rose Holland (Mornington Peninsula) and Sophie Wilkinson (Mornington Peninsula).

Ellie Harrison was victorious in the women’s division. Photo: Nathan Rivalland

“It was tricky today but I am really glad to get another go at surfing against the pros,” Harrison said.

Only two years ago, Harrison defeated former world champion Tyler Wright in the main event, and the 22-year-old will be hoping to repeat those heroics.

“I’ve got a bit of pressure on my back because I’ve had those results, but it’ll all just be experience for me,” Harrison said.

“I’m so grateful to be home and through again to the main event.”

The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach begins on Wednesday, 1 April and will run until 11 April.

For full results from the Rip Curl Pro Trials, head to liveheats.com/surfingvictoria