The Bells wildcard: local surfers on their shot at the world stage

ONLY a select few surfers earn the right to pull on the coveted Rip Curl Pro jersey at Bells Beach.

Each year, one Victorian is handed a wildcard into the main event, a rare and often career-shaping opportunity to compete against the world’s best on home water.

Here, several local surfers reflect on what it means to step onto that stage.

 

Adam Robertson Rip Curl Pro Trials winner and main event runner-up, 2009 A standout of the mid- to late-2000s, Adam Robertson came agonisingly close to qualifying for the world tour in 2008.

He believed his surfing was at that level and a wildcard into the 2009 Rip Curl Pro offered the chance to prove it at home.

Contested in solid south-westerly Bells conditions, the trials demanded everything. Robertson edged through a tight semi-final against Jack Perry before taking control in the final.

“I probably felt more relief I’d won the trials that particular year than anything else,” Robertson said.

What followed remains one of the most memorable local runs in the event’s history. Robertson took down some of the sport’s biggest names, including Andy Irons, Kelly Slater and Jordy Smith, on his way to a runner-up finish.

“The waves were pumping for the event, which I felt suited me,” Robertson said. “I was also really fit, so I think that helped me both physically and mentally.”

He credited shaper Simon Anderson for providing boards that allowed him to surf instinctively.

“It was just paddle out and execute,” Robertson said.

Robertson said being remembered for that run at Bells still means a lot.

 

“I used to say to myself ‘Nobody’s here to watch me’, essentially trying to convince myself that there’s no pressure on me, so go out and take it on,” he said.

Carly Shanahan, Jan Juc Rip Curl Pro Trials winner, 2025

After relocating from the New South Wales north coast in 2023, Carly Shanahan quickly established herself on the Surf Coast, dominating local competition and building toward a breakthrough moment.

By the time the 2025 trials arrived, she felt ready. She won every heat on the way to the coveted wildcare spot, posting some of the highest scores of the event.

“Getting a wildcard spot into the Rip Curl Pro was amazing and so surreal,” Shanahan said.

“Having all my friends and community hyping me up to prepare as much as I could, and relishing in the win as much as I did, was really uplifting.”

Shanahan’s moment extended well beyond the water.

 

The beach was lined with ‘Go Carly’ T-shirts as the community rallied behind her. She said the support lifted her throughout the event.

“That support brought me to tears right before my heat,” Shanahan said.

“Then to paddle out and be in the presence of the best surfers in the world was another high on top of the jam-packed days prior.”

Her advice for this year’s wildcard recipient is to enjoy it and soak it all in, because it goes by so quickly.

“Keep your event rashie for the memories,” Shanahan added.

Xavier Huxtable, Jan Juc Rip Curl Pro Trials winner, 2023 and 2025 Few surfers on the Surf Coast have built a junior career as dominant as Xavier Huxtable.

The powerful natural footer almost won every event he’d competed in, showcasing powerful rail work and composure well beyond his years.

He carried that momentum into the open ranks.

At just 17, he earned an injury wildcard into the Rip Curl Pro, finishing 33rd but gaining invaluable experience.

He has since returned stronger, claiming the trials in both 2023 and 2025 to earn further starts at Bells.

“The crowd, atmosphere and level of surfing is like no other event,” Huxtable said. “The experience every single year, whether you’re in the event or not, is amazing to be part of.”

 

Despite his success, Huxtable said there are always nerves before the trials as everyone strives for the same goal.

“It means so much to represent this town on the big stage,” he said.

“Last year I was lucky enough to get into the main event and it was super special. Running down the stairs and hearing all my family and friends screaming from the grandstand and feeling the whole town get behind it is like no other feeling in the world.”

Huxtable continues to loom as one of the region’s brightest prospects.

Ellie Harrison, Barwon Heads Rip Curl Pro Trials winner, 2024 By the time Ellie Harrison earned her shot at Bells, she had already built an impressive junior career that included multiple Australian titles.

As an 18-year-old she got her first taste at Bells, winning the 2024 Rip Curl Pro Trials in difficult conditions at Winkipop.

Her dominant forehand eliminated her competitors with ease, setting her up for a maiden crack at the main event.

She credits the Rip Curl Pro with shaping her love of surfing.

“It was always my dream to compete in Bells and I’ll never forget the first couple of years of being able to do it as a wildcard,” Harrison said.

Harrison reached the quarter-finals in 2024, then backed it up the following year with a ninth-place finish after an opening-round win over eventual world champion Molly Picklum.

 

In 2024, Harrison lit up the event finishing in the quarter-finals. An amazing achievement for a surfer who had barely graduated from her junior career.

“The first time it all happened I think I was the happiest I’ve ever been. I had all my family surrounded around me,” she said.

“The competition started and I’d come in from my heats, and all my extended family were there and my friends.

“It’s unreal. It’s a feeling and a time I’ll never let go of.”

Harrison finished the 2025 Challenger Series in 11th position, narrowly missing out on a spot on the 2026 Championship Tour.

Some luck in the years to come might see her breakthrough and make her world tour dream a reality.