Victorian Open Series to open at Bells

THE 2022/23 Victorian Open Series is set to open at Bells Beach/Djarrk this Saturday, September 10, giving surfers in the region a chance to earn a spot into the coveted Rip Curl Pro Trials.

The forecast for Bells is looking good and likely to deliver surfers with some of the best conditions of the past few months.

Reigning state champion Xavier Huxtable got a taste of the Rip Curl Pro in 2021 by securing a spot in the trials through the Open Series.

The 19-year-old has his sights set on trying to get back there and surf against the world’s best, but knows Victorian surfing talent runs deep and it’ll be no easy feat.

“It feels great to once again have another Open Series just around the corner and in last year’s open series we were fortunate to get some really fun waves, so hopefully this year is similar,” Huxtable said.

“The Victorian Open Series competitions are always tough and are filled with all of Victoria’s best surfers so it no doubt makes for a great spectacle for fans and also pushes everyone’s surfing to the next level.”

“Getting that spot in the Rip Curl Pro Trials is an amazing opportunity for all Victorians and from there a few heats later you can land yourself in the main event at Bells which is certainly a dream for all of us.”

Other entrants in the men’s division include incumbent world junior surfing champion Noah Clifford (Jan Juc), Luke Lalor (Torquay) and World Qualifying Series competitor Bohdie Williams from Point Lonsdale.

Surfers on the women’s side of the draw include Point Lonsdale pair Lucy Naylor and Minnie Vorrath as well as a host of surfers from Phillip Island and the Mornington Peninsula.

To see the full heat draw and event schedule, head to surfingvic.com/events

2022/23 Victorian Open Series

Round 1 – Bells Beach, September 10, 2022

Round 2 – Mornington Peninsula, January 28/29, 2023

Round 3 – Phillip Island, February 25, 2023