Local surfers represent community with pride at WSL event

LOCAL trio Bea Conroy, Ben Considine and Molly Powell represented the region with pride during the 2024 World Surf League (WSL) Bells Beach Longboard Classic.

Last week’s event was the first stop of the World Longboard Tour and saw the world best 24 male and female longboarders take to the waves at Bells Beach/Djarrak.

 

 

Conroy (Point Londale) and Considine (Torquay) both scored a Victorian wildcard into the main event through the Victorian State Titles, while Powell (Anglesea) won her spot through the WSL Trials.

The three surfers all featured across the first two days of competition, with Conroy and Considine finishing second in their opening matchups, and Powell coming in third.

 

 

Smooth footwork from Bea Conroy had her right in the mix for an upset over former world champion Rachel Tilley in the Elimination Round, however one strong score from the latter put the victory out of reach.

Powell and Considine both battled tougher conditions at the Rincon break in their Elimination Round heats and went down to eventual quarterfinalists Sophia Culhane and Declan Wyton, respectively.

 

 

Considine said he thoroughly enjoyed competing in the event.

“It’s always so incredible having the contest come to Bells. It’s a place I’ve been surfing since I was a little kid and to be able to compete on this sort of stage in front of my friends and family was incredible

 

 

“It was amazing to see fellow locals in Molly and Bea compete on this stage as well. They both surfed great, and it was awesome to see the whole Vicco squad get right behind them.”

Surfing Victoria chief executive officer Adam Robertson said he was proud of Victoria’s representation against the world’s best.

 

 

“The Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic was another incredible event showcasing the beautiful landscape and waves at Djarrak.

“To have three Victorians compete at the event was fantastic. It was amazing to see Ben, Bea and Molly do the state proud.

 

 

“This event continues to bring a huge economic benefit to the region over the winter months and is an important part of the surfing culture for the region.”

Surf Coast Shire mayor Liz Pattison said the event was again a welcome addition to the major events calendar on the Surf Coast.

 

 

“This is the second year we’ve hosted this event, and it provides our local economy with a great boost in the off-peak visitor season.

“The Bells Beach Longboard Classic attracts viewers from around the world, providing a fantastic opportunity to highlight the Surf Coast as a premier tourism destination even during the cooler months.

“Council, via Surf Coast Events, is a proud sponsor of this event. We value the ongoing partnership with both Surfing Victoria and WSL to deliver world class surfing events at Bells”

 

 

Overall, it was an All-American affair, with world champion duo Soleil Errico and Taylor Jensen taking home the silverware.

Errico made it two from two at Bells Beach/Djarrak, while Taylor Jensen followed in his father-in-law and fellow world champion Nat Young’s footsteps and joined the winner’s list at the Surf Coast break.

For results and highlights from the Bells Beach Longboard Classic, head to worldsurfleague.com/