Melbourne’s PhD surfer stuns world with breakthrough win at Bells

Bells Beach reaffirmed its status as a world-class stage over the weekend, with picture-perfect conditions setting the scene for an unforgettable finish to the 2025 Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic.

American Soleil Errico continued her remarkable record at the famed break, claiming her third consecutive win and posting the highest women’s heat total in the event’s history.

 

“I’m very grateful to be here and to be on this Tour,” Errico said.

“This place makes me really calm for whatever reason. The energy of Bells is definitely my vibe.”

The reigning three-time world champion was in sync with the Bowl from her first wave, locking in a commanding 18.20 heat total with a seamless blend of footwork, flow and flair.

Equally compelling was Max Weston’s maiden Longboard Tour win, achieved in his first-ever Finals Day appearance. Now based in Melbourne, the 33-year-old balances academic work with chasing waves along the Surf Coast.

“It’s surreal at the moment, to be honest,” Weston said.

“I had my mates and family here. The waves kept delivering. It was unreal.”

 

Weston set the tone early in the men’s final with an 8.50 ride, combining upright style with smooth rail transitions. A 6.50 sealed the deal against a hard-charging Kevin Skvarna, giving Weston a breakthrough win in front of a home-state crowd.

Tour veteran Hiroka Yoshikawa also impressed, making her first final in a career that spans nearly 15 years. Her performance included wins over two former world champions and confirmed her place at the upcoming World Longboard Championships in El Salvador.

Skvarna, a consistent presence on Tour, posted some of the event’s top scores en route to the final, including a 9.57 in the semis.

Six surfers have now secured their spots for El Salvador, including Errico, Weston and current rankings leader Kai Ellice-Flint.

The 2025 Longboard Tour continues next month with the Surf Abu Dhabi Longboard Classic, running from 24–26 October.

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RESULTS

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Men’s Final Results:
1 – Max Weston (AUS) 15.00
2 – Kevin Skvarna (USA) 13.57

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Women’s Final Results:
1 – Soleil Errico (USA) 18.20
2 – Hiroka Yoshikawa (JPN) 13.70

Men’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Max Weston (AUS) 14.46 DEF. Declan Wyton (AUS) 13.90
HEAT 2: Kevin Skvarna (USA) 17.74 DEF. Edouard Delpero (FRA) 16.44

Women’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Hiroka Yoshikawa (JPN) 13.83 DEF. Avalon Gall (USA) 12.73
HEAT 2: Soleil Errico (USA) 15.44 DEF. Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) 14.96

Men’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Max Weston (AUS) 15.96 DEF. Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) 14.50
HEAT 2: Declan Wyton (AUS) 13.16 DEF. Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS) 11.90
HEAT 3: Kevin Skvarna (USA) 17.16 DEF. Taylor Jensen (USA) 16.10
HEAT 4: Edouard Delpero (FRA) 14.53 DEF. Kai Sallas (HAW) 12.30

Women’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Hiroka Yoshikawa (JPN) 13.00 DEF. Rachael Tilly (USA) 12.86
HEAT 2: Avalon Gall (USA) 10.97 DEF. Mason Schremmer (USA) 9.57
HEAT 3: Soleil Errico (USA) 15.83 DEF. Chloe Calmon (BRA) 10.67
HEAT 4: Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) 15.34 DEF. Tully White (AUS) 13.67