Rip Curl Pro start pushed back

The 2026 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach has been put on hold, with competition called off for the opening two days due to declining and inconsistent swell along the Surf Coast.

Event organisers made the call on Wednesday morning, opting to wait for improved conditions rather than begin the Championship Tour season in subpar surf. Both Bells Beach and the backup break at Winkipop failed to deliver the consistency required to run heats.

World Surf League VP of Tours and Competition Renato Hickel said conditions simply were not up to standard.

“Though there are a few waves coming through this morning, the consistency and size are less than what we had hoped for to get the season underway,” he said.

“We’ve been watching the sets all morning and there is not enough opportunity within a half-hour window to effectively run heats.”

There is optimism, however, with forecasts pointing to a stronger swell building in time for the Easter weekend, raising hopes of a high-quality start to the season.

“The long range forecast is showing lots of opportunity, including over the Easter weekend, and we’re excited for the competition to begin in potentially great waves in the coming days.”

When competition begins, fans can expect a stacked field across both the women’s and men’s draws.

Two-time Bells winner Sally Fitzgibbons will take on Portugal’s Yolanda Hopkins, while teenage sensation Tya Zebrowski prepares for her first-ever Championship Tour appearance after qualifying at just 15.

The return of multiple-time world champions Carissa Moore and Stephanie Gilmore also adds intrigue, with both set to feature in Round One heats.

On the men’s side, local wildcard Dane Henry will draw strong attention as he faces fellow Australian Oscar Berry, while Callum Robson meets trials winner Xavier Huxtable in an all-Australian clash.

The next call on competition will be made Friday, April 3 at 7.45am AEDT, with a possible start shortly after.

The event waiting period runs through to April 11, with all eyes now on the Easter swell to kick off the iconic Bells Beach contest in style.