Picklum targets first Bells victory

REIGNING World Surf League women’s world champion Molly Picklum has set her sights this year on securing her first-ever victory at the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach.

Molly Picklum is hoping to secure her first-ever win at Bells Beach this Easter. Photo: Ed Sloane/World Surf League

The 23-year-old will open her Championship Tour campaign at Bells Beach determined to translate her trademark power surfing into success at a venue that has proven challenging in the past.

Fresh off her maiden world title in 2025 at Cloudbreak in Fiji, Picklum enters the new season with momentum – and added expectation.

“I’m obviously super excited,” she said. “I have had some good results here in the past but then I’ve also had some devastating losses here as well.

“I’m excited, nervous and all-in-all, I’m just happy to be back competing.”

Despite her title-winning season, Bells proved a stumbling block for Picklum in 2025, delivering her lowest result of the year.

“I think it’s no lie that I struggle at this wave,” she said. “But more than ever, I’m so accepting of that and willing to try and win.

Molly Picklum celebrated her world title win at Rip Curl HQ in Torquay last September. Photo: Nyah Barnes

“So, yes, it’s a weakness of mine, but anyone who knows me knows that I love to chase a weakness and make it into a strength, so let’s see what we can do this year.”

She likened the Bells event to “running a marathon”, pointing to the many variables that shape one of the tour’s most demanding stops.

Picklum expects a strong field this Easter, with returning champions Stephanie Gilmore and Carissa Moore among the key threats.

“Having Steph back is epic- she’s just such a queen of our sport,” Picklum said. “She represents surfing so well.

“Steph or Carissa are some of the most winning women at this wave, so they will obviously be a threat. We also have Tya [Zebrowski] too, coming through as a rookie, and there’s a lot of noise around her.”