Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach underway

THIS year’s Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, celebrated as the longest-running event in competitive surfing, began on Tuesday this week, bringing together the world’s finest surfers to the iconic break.

The fourth stop on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour is where legends are made, and champions are crowned with the ceremonial ringing of the bell.

 

 

The first day saw classic surf conditions greet competitors, offering clean four-to-six-foot waves at Bells for the women’s and men’s opening rounds and the men’s elimination round, leading to the event’s first departures.

Gabriel Medina shone in the men’s division, scoring the highest two-wave total of the day with a near-perfect ride contributing to his impressive score.

 

 

Tyler Wright, aiming for a third consecutive Bells Beach win, dominated the women’s opening round with the highest score of the day, showcasing her strength and precision on the waves.

 

 

Kelly Slater, leveraging his extensive experience, won his heat against tough competitors, demonstrating strategic mastery in a challenging lineup

“It’s 30 years since my first win here and 32 years since my first event here,” said Slater.

“It’s good to be back, and you know it would be a real dream for me to book in and try to get my fifth win here again 30 years later.”

 

 

Local wildcard Ellie Harrison and Isabella Nichols upset the rankings by defeating World No. 1 Molly Picklum, sending her into the elimination round.

Other notable performances included local wildcard Tully Wylie and Rip Curl wildcard George Pittar, both advancing through their heats with standout performances.

 

 

The second day of the competition saw leading competitors taken out.

The event moved to Winkipop, featuring semi-clean waves and completing key rounds for both men and women.

Major upsets included World No. 1 Molly Picklum and reigning event winner Tyler Wright being eliminated.

Rookie Sawyer Lindblad and local wildcard Ellie Harrison delivered standout performances, moving into the quarterfinals and shaking up the competition.

 

 

Harrison said she felt a mix of nerves and excitement facing Wright.

“When I saw the heat draw come out, I was like ‘oh no’ – I look up to Tyler so much, she’s the nicest person in the water, gives me compliments, she’s such a cool girl,” Harrison said.

“I went into that heat with the mentality that I’ve got nothing to lose. I tried to keep my cool, so I was just waiting for the perfect opportunity to find where the sets were coming in and try to get a big score.”

“Then I got another one, and I wasn’t sure if it was going to be the score, but I was so glad I got through. It’s a dream come true surfing at Bells, walking out with all my family and friends cheering for me on, it’s something I’ve thought about every year, and now it’s real. It’s a little weird, I don’t know how to act.”

 

 

Morgan Cibilic also made waves by defeating World No. 4 Jack Robinson, setting up an exciting match in the Round of 16.

Caroline Marks and Samuel Pupo dominated their heats, posting the highest scores of the day and showcasing their intent to win at this iconic event.

Ethan Ewing narrowly escaped elimination, securing his spot in the next round with a last-minute win.

 

 

Speaking at the launch event on Monday this week, Surf Coast Shire mayor Liz Pattison said she was stoked to have the event back.

“It’s such a privilege to have the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach here again, it’s been going for 61 years and it’s such an amazing event.”

“We really like to acknowledge surfing role models and female role models for our aspiring surfers.”

 

 

Cr Pattison then presented Championship Tour world number one Molly Picklum, with a giant 10kg chocolate surfer bunny from Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery.

“We wanted to celebrate you with this surfing chocolate bunny,” she said.

 

 

At the launch, Jan Juc’s India Robinson who returned from Portugal last week, said she was excited to be back on the Championship Tour and back at Bells Beach.

“I’m over the jetlag and straight into it,” Robinson said.

“It’s a huge moment, it’s my second time in the event.

“I’ve got my whole community of family and friends ready to support me.”

 

 

Corangamite federal member Libby Coker said it was a privilege to have the event in her electorate.

“It attracts a crowd of 50,000 people with more than 10 million digital viewers across the globe.”

“And it’s a huge economic driver for Torquay, the Surf Coast, the Bellarine and all of Victoria.”

 

 

Ms Coker said she would be cheering on the three homegrown heroes from her electorate.

“Jan Juc local, India Robinson, who I caught up with at last year’s inaugural Parliamentary Friends of Surfing event – good luck! I hope to catch up with you again soon.”

“And congratulations to Tully Wylie from Torquay and Ellie Harrison from Barwon Heads, our wildcard entries for this year’s event.”

 

 

The event was called off Thursday and today (Easter Friday) due to small surf and onshore winds.

WSL Tours and Competition Director, Renato Hickel, announced that the next call for the competition will be on Saturday, March 30, at 7:45 a.m. AEDT, anticipating improved conditions.

“The good news is we have offshore winds forecast for Saturday, and a new swell will start filling in that day as well. The better conditions look like they’ll continue on Sunday, so we are confident we will resume competition in good waves over the Easter weekend, most likely on Saturday.”

 

 

Options for getting to the event include a scenic walk along the Bells Track from Jan Juc or a shuttle bus service from the Rip Curl Car Park.

Parking is available near the site for a fee.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate, with festival and day passes available.

Children under 16 enjoy free admission, and those living in the 3228 postcode can attend for free.

Beyond the competition, the Rip Curl flagship store in Torquay will be abuzz with activity, offering live event screenings and exclusive merchandise.

Those unable to attend the event in person can watch it streamed live on the WSL website.

 

Published Friday 29 March 4.00 AM. Updated Friday 29 March 12.10 PM