Pro is go

Pro is go The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach event window is open, with the 55th instalment of the longest-running professional surf contest in the world once again set to draw people to Bells Beach’s hallowed shore to watch the world’s best take each other on at the home of surfing, as they have been doing since the comp was first held in 1962.
This season’s window, from March 24 until April 5, will serve as the second of the three-stop Australian leg of the WSL Championship Tour and pick up from last week’s kickoff on the Gold Coast.
Matt Wilkinson and Tyler Wright lead the elite men’s and women’s fields respectively heading into the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, following major victories at the opening stop at Snapper Rocks.
Wilkinson, who is into his seventh season competing against the world’s elite, collected his maiden CT win on the Gold Coast and wears the yellow Jeep WSL Leader Jersey at Bells Beach this coming week (see story this page).
Wright, a yearly threat to the WSL Title since her CT inception in 2011, was untouchable at the opening event on the Gold Coast and has her sights firmly set on attaining the, as yet, elusive world surfing crown.
“I’m focused this year,” Wright said. “Last year was a bit of an off year for me and I’ve had a few close years on tour with regards to the title, but that’s my goal for my next few seasons; 2016 is off to a good start and I aim to keep it rolling at Bells.”
Brazil’s Adriano de Souza and Hawaii’s Carissa Moore, reigning WSL Champions, are also past winners at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach and will be dangerous when competition gets underway this week.
Three-time WSL Champion and four-time Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach winner Mick Fanning has stated that 2016 will be a “personal year” for him and he will take some time off following the Bells Beach event. Fanning remains a favourite to take out this year’s men’s event in the myriad conditions that Bells Beach can throw at competitors.
Meanwhile, a number of injury withdrawals have shaken up the competitive draw at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach.
On the men’s side, Tyler Wright’s brother Owen Wright, Bede Durbidge and Alejo Muniz remain out of action due to injuries sustained in 2015. Their positions will once again be taken by Adam Melling, Stuart Kennedy and Sebastian Zietz respectively.
Perennial threat Filipe Toledo has withdrawn from the remaining Australian leg events (Bells Beach and Margaret River)
following his injury during the semi-finals of the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast. Toledo’s position at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach has been filled by Mason Ho, who picked up heat wins as a wildcard last season at Bells Beach and in Peniche, and whose semi-final finish at December’s Billabong Pipe Masters have placed him well on the international radar.
Additionally, rookie sensation Jack Freestone suffered a serious knee injury while training following the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast. Freestone has withdrawn from the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach and his position will be filled by former CT danger man Dusty Payne.
On the women’s side, Lakey Peterson remains out of competition following her pre-season ankle injury. Her position will once again be filled by Bronte Macaulay.
Further wildcard entry spots were decided during trials at Bells on Monday and Tuesday as this story went to print.
Keep an eye on worldsurfleague.com for event updates and status.