Pro’s replacement all set for Easter event

THE Bolt Blowers Invitational is set to replace the 2021 Bells Beach Rip Curl Pro following confirmation from the World Surf League that Victoria would not host a Championship
Tour event.

Surfing Victoria announced that the charity event will take the Easter Saturday timeslot previously reserved for the Rip Curl Pro.

Since 2006, Bolt Blowers has run the annual surf competition raising awareness for community-based mental health programs.

Surfing Victoria CEO Adam Robertson said the Bolt Blowers have been ahead of the curve in shining a light on mental health.

“We are in awe of the work that the Bolt Blowers community have done over the past 16 years,” Mr Robertson said.

“With the cancellation of the 2021 Rip Curl Pro, this was the perfect opportunity to raise the profile of this event and the issues around mental health we are all facing after a tough 12 months.”

While taking over from the Rip Curl Pro, this year’s event will raise money for mental health charity, One in Five and Aboriginal mentoring organisation, Strong Brother, Strong Sister.

Money raised for One in Five will go towards supporting Australia’s leading experts in mental health research including Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and
Monash Health.

The contributions made to Strong Brother, Strong Sister will allow Aboriginal youths to access a mentor while learning about water safety, how to surf and most importantly, how to improve their health and wellbeing.

The Bolt Blowers committee said it was humbled by the invitation to take the event to Bells Beach on Easter Saturday.

“It will highlight even more the power of people coming together with the one voice,” they said.

“We work with grassroots programs that create real change within communities and, thanks to Surfing Victoria and the Surf Coast Shire, we are able to continue to shine light for mental health.”

Surf Coast Shire Mayor Libby Stapleton welcomed the event to Bells Beach.

“Through disappointment comes opportunity – the cancellation of the Rip Curl Pro has created the window for something new and I am delighted the Bolt Blowers Invitational is ready and willing to take on the famous Bells Easter swell this year,” she said.

“I am excited that through surfing we have an opportunity to support important mental health research and the acclaimed Strong Sister, Strong Brother program.

“Respect and promotion of Indigenous culture is one of our management principles for Bells Beach, so the Bolt Blowers Invitational is an ideal fit for 2021.”

The Invitational will run in a team format with seven surfers competing in succession to tally a final wave score.

To compete in the event all riders will need to use an original single fin or twin fin board that pre-dates 1983.

Teams who have competed in the past will get priority as entries open to the public on March 9.
For more information head to surfingvic.com