Torquay invites the state’s best for Hells Bells 2018

THE fifth Hells Bells, Torquay Boardriders Club annual showcase surfing event and Victoria’s most premier surfing contest outside the Rip Curl Pro, will be held on June 23.

This year, however, to build on the prestigious reputation of Hells Bells as such a pinnacle competition, TBC has invited the two best surfers from six other boardriding clubs within Victoria to join in the battle to hold the Bunjil trophy aloft.

Surfers from Jan Juc Boardriders Club, 13th Beach Boardriders Club, Otway Boardriders Club, Penisula Surfriders Club, Phillip Island Boardriders Club and Point Lonsdale Boardriders Club have received invitations.

The Hells Bells invite outlined the multi-club format for this year’s competition and included a brief background to the deep roots from which this contest was born.

Held on the nearest Saturday to the Winter Solistice, males and females of all ages do battle for the coveted Bunjil trophy and thousands of dollars in cash and prizes.

Bunjil the Eagle is the creator and protector of TBC’s turf.

Our almighty guardian is blessed with a smoking ceremony at each event.

In 2018, Hells Bells will feature representatives from our rival boardriding clubs.

You may be called upon to do battle against the rest.

Opening the field up to other clubs means the event could be host to some of the biggest names in Victoria surfing, including Tim Stevenson, Carl Wright, Casey Egan, Josh Johnston Baxter, Joe Van Dijk and Dylan Schultz.

Harry Mann, TBC vice-president and two time winner of Hells Bells, said that he couldn’t be happier with the move to include the other clubs.

“I’m really excited for this year’s event. As a club we have always pictured that Hells Bells would turn into the most premium event in Victoria and getting two best surfers from the best clubs in the state involved is definitely a step in the right direction.
Along with speciality wildcards such as Adam Robertson it’s going to be crazy to see the level of surfing! I can’t wait!” Mann said.

In addition to the individual event, there will be a team component to the competition throughout the day.

The two surfers from each invited club will go up against the two highest ranked TBC open surfers. The two surfers with the best combined event point totals will be the club vs club winners.

It shaping up to be an amazing day, so lock it into your schedule and get down to Bells on June 23.

For more information, follow @ torquayboardridersclub on Instagram and Facebook.