Rising stars of local surfing recognised at Bells event

YOUNG local surfing talent rubbed shoulders with the sport’s elite when the Surf Coast Shire Rising Star Awards were presented on Tuesday as part of the Rip Curl Pro launch.

The top three 2018 Victorian Junior Series-ranked under 18 female and male surfers from the Surf Coast received the Gail Couper and Wayne Lynch Rising Star Awards, respectively: Angela Ball, Angelique Kefalas, Arabella Wilson, Cooper Downes, Jackson Kay and Indi White.

Ms Couper (who won at Bells Beach 10 times in the 1960s and 1970s) and WSL surfer Owen Wright were on hand to present the awards.

Cr Brian McKiterick recognised the youngsters for their achievements.

“These talented surfers demonstrated great commitment and consistency last year. They are great role models for their peers,” Cr McKiterick said.

“Who knows, perhaps one day they’ll be competing in the world-famous event at Bells themselves.”

WSL international deputy commissioner Renato Hickle acknowledged the efforts of the Surf Coast Shire in helping to organise the Rip Curl Pro.

“This is my 30th year on tour, and my 31st Bells… I spend more Easters here than at home.

I’ve been coming here since the early ‘90s, and the work you guys have done in this shire is second to none,” he said.

“What you’ve transformed this surfing reserve into over those 30 years is an example to follow. It’s really incredible work and I’m really privileged to witness this.”

Six students from Surf Coast Secondary College’s surfing academy were also at the Rising Star presentations.

The Rip Curl Pro will run from April 17-27.

For fans unable to make it to Bells, more than 50 Live Sites will be serving up all the action with a live stream of the event.

For a list of Rip Curl Pro Live Sites, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/ripcurlpro.