Surfing event looms large after four-year absence

TORQUAY Boardriders Club (TBC) has announced the return of Hells Djarrak, formerly known as Hells Bells, following a four-year absence due to COVID-19 and poor surfing conditions.

TBC president Harrison Mann says the 2023 event will take place on Saturday, August 5 bigger than ever before, with Quiksilver jumping on board as a new presenting sponsor.

“This is TBC’s premiere event, and the build-up continues to get bigger and better every year despite missing out on action the past few years,” Mann said.

“Quiksilver has jumped on the event this year to help support the event which is amazing.

“It’s allowed us to include our regular main draw, but in addition to that, there will be an inaugural breakaway women’s final with the winner to receive $1,000, which we’re stoked about.”

Both men and women will still compete together in the main draw, but the top five female finishers will also qualify for the new women’s final.

Representatives have already been invited from rival boardriding clubs to feature the best surfers from around the country. The winning club will take home $500.

Each club is allowed to nominate one male and one female surfer to participate in the main draw.

“We’ve had a bit of a tough run with this event the last few years to be honest, but it’s just part of the contest,” Mann, a two-time winner of the event, said.

“We were so lucky during the event’s first few years, the conditions were just pumping, so we’re definitely due for another good year.

“The way the weather patterns are going this year, we’re quietly confident that this year is going to be a pretty epic year to turn it back on.”

TBC organises Hells Djarrak each winter, ensuring optimal conditions for competition days.

Surfers of all ages, both male and female, will again vie for the honour of raising the prestigious Bunjil Trophy and the chance to win thousands of dollars in cash and prizes.

The Bunjil Trophy, carved by Raph Buttonshaw, represents Bunjil the Eagle, the creator and protector of Djarrak and the greater Wadawurrung country.

Familiar names invited to the event next month include Rip Curl Pro wildcard Xavier Huxtable, Tully Wylie, Challender Series athlete Ellie Harrison, and Junior World Champion Willis Droomer.

All invitees must RSVP by 5pm on Sunday, July 30, to the TBC Instagram account by sharing the event tile on their story. The entry fee for the event is $60 for TBC members.