An iconic opening stop for World Surf League Longboard Tour

ANOTHER world-class surfing competition is providing valuable international exposure for the Surf Coast.

The Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic returns to Bells Beach from Thursday, July 18 to July 21, following a successful inaugural event last year.

The classic marks the opening round of the 2024 World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour.

Last year’s event reached more than 84 million people globally, showcasing the Surf Coast as a visitor destination and strengthening Torquay’s status as Australia’s surfing capital.

Surf Coast Shire mayor Liz Pattison was delighted to see the classic on the Surf Coast Events calendar for a second year.

“We love supporting events that encourage people to appreciate and care for this place. The Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic certainly ticks that box, held at Djarrak, on Wadawurrung Country,” she said.

“The event marks the tour’s only stop in Australia, so it’s a rare opportunity for local surfing fans to catch top longboarders in action.

“The event also provides our local economy with a great boost in our off-peak visitor season as we welcome competitors, officials and spectators from across the world.”

The 2024 Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic will begin with a Wadawurrung Welcome to Country at Djarrak (Bells Beach) on Thursday, July 18 at 7.15am, before competition starts.

The WSL tournament will welcome 48 of the world’s best longboarders, including two local and national wildcards.

Spectators are invited across the four-day competition, with entry free.

Last year’s event saw Kai Sallas and Soleil Errico claim honours. Bells Beach was an important stop for the duo, as they went on to be crowned the respective men’s and women’s world longboard champions.

The longboard classic headlines a lively winter on the Surf Coast Events calendar, which features a diverse range of events.

The Surf Coast Arts Trail on August 3 and August 4 will welcome hundreds of artists, ranging from hobbyists to professionals, exhibiting and demonstrating skills in mediums including painting, sculpture, jewellery, ceramics, textiles and photography.

Venues will range from private studios to community venues and arts hubs and will be open to the public between 10am and 4pm each day.

For those seeking an outdoor adventure, Surf Coast Wonderfalls Trail Run in Lorne will be held on August 17. There are various distances on offer, with each promising memorable scenic journeys.

Popular community markets continue in the cooler months. Spread across the coast and hinterland, the markets offer an opportunity for people to purchase local produce and goods.

To stay up-to-date with local events, head to surfcoastevents.com.au or follow @SurfCoastEvents on Instagram.

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