Torquay Boardriders Club’s Hells Bells scores epic conditions

THE 5th annual Hells Bells invitational at Bells Beach, Torquay Boardriders Club’s marquee event of the season, was completed in excellent conditions on Saturday.

Those selected to do battle for the Bunjil trophy were blessed with a drastic overnight increase in swell, with daybreak revealing a dreamy 3- to 4-foot swell groomed with light offshore winds.

The event is TBC’s biggest hit out for the year, with thousands in cash and prizes on the line for the single division, all in contest. TBC’s best of all ages, male and female were for the first time joined by nominees from TBC’s biggest rivals, with two surfers from Jan Juc Boardriders, 13th Beach Boardriders, Phillip Island Boardriders, Peninsula Surfriders Club, Otway Boardriders and Pt Lonsdale Boardriders joining the battle to raise the Bunjil.

A huge component of the event was an education and celebration of the incredible environmental and Indigenous values exemplified by the Bells Beach Surfing and Recreation reserve, highlighted by Wadawurrung’s Corrina Eccles delivering a moving welcome to country and smoking ceremony to cleanse the event and Bunjil trophy.

Bunjil certainly delivered once again, with conditions remaining far better than forecast throughout the day.

Despite the cold weather and occasional rain, the record number of spectators were fuelled by the Round the Way Bagel Truck, 3rd Reef Coffee and a late delivery of Dough Bros Pizza throughout the day.

Torquay Boardriders Club president twice Hells Bells champion Cahill Bell-Warren was proud of the quality event delivered by the club.

“This edition of Hells Bells was by far the biggest event TBC have run in the modern era, I can’t thank our committee and volunteers for their tireless work to make this event a reality.

“We have had amazing support from all of our club sponsors, a special mention must go to Rip Curl and Quiksilver for their ongoing backing of the event.

“While on paper they are our rivals, the addition of our fellow clubs has been a great boost for the event. It was really special to have the opportunity to share this event with them because it means so much more than just any event, it is a celebration of our history, our beautiful home of Bells Beach and the rich Indigenous heritage this place holds.”

After a huge day of surfing, the field of 54 was reduced to just four for the final, with 13th Beach’s Josh Johnson Baxter surviving a late charge from former Rip Curl Pro runner-up Adam Robertson to take the win.

“What an incredible event!” an elated Johnson Baxter said.

“I can’t thank TBC enough for opening their arms and inviting myself and the other clubs, the vibes at the beach have been amazing all day, I’m proud to won and to lift the really heavy Bunjil after a day of great competition.”

Phillip Island Boardriders Club’s Steve Noble finished 3rd behind Robertson, with TBC’s Johnny Hawken rounding out the final in 4th place.

An additional component of the day was the Club vs Club overall champion which was claimed by 13th Beach Boardriders with Johnson Baxter’s supported by his teammate Billy Harrison’s 5th place.

Specialty award winners: