While competition was paused due to an incoming tide at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy, the action certainly didn’t stop. Thousands of Easter Weekend fans who packed the shoreline were treated to a series of special showcase heats featuring some of surfing’s most iconic names – and the unmistakable flair of retro twin fins.
The atmosphere along the cliffs and on the sand was pure celebration as the ‘Rip Curl Icons Heat’ brought together four-time Bell Ringers Mick Fanning and Stephanie Gilmore with Hawaiian style master Mason Ho. With conditions at the Bowl slowing down, the trio took full advantage of the clean lines and empty lineup to put on a masterclass of expression and connection with the wave.
The surfers traded waves in a relaxed but captivating session that highlighted not just their credentials, but their long-standing relationship with Bells Beach itself. With fans cheering from every corner of the beach, the Icons Heat delivered a different kind of performance – one that reminded everyone why Bells remains such a sacred stop on the Championship Tour.
Shortly after, another group of surf veterans and local heroes hit the water for the ‘Stone & Wood Afternoon Delight’ – a twin-fin showcase that blended nostalgia, craftsmanship, and good vibes.
Former CT stars Luke Egan and Rosy Hodge joined Bells locals Adam Robertson and Tully Wylie, along with Jesse Starling, for the second of the day’s specialty events. The surfers paddled out at Rincon with a quiver of freshly shaped twin-fin boards – each one handcrafted by legendary shapers including Bob McTavish, Mark Richards, Neil Purchase Junior, Shyama Buttonshaw, and Draft by Josh Kerr.
With the Rincon section offering fun peelers, the five surfers styled their way down the line in true retro fashion. Rail lines were held, cutbacks carved, and the unmistakable twin-fin flair lit up the beach as fans – especially those of legal drinking age – looked on from the Stone & Wood Bar perched above the cliffs.
For those sipping a cold beverage and soaking in the view, the ‘Afternoon Delight’ wasn’t just a break from the competitive format. It was a celebration of surfing’s roots, a nod to creativity in board design, and a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable moments in surfing don’t come with scores attached.
These showcase sessions added another layer to an already vibrant opening day at Bells. Between world-class competition and these curated displays of surf culture and history, the Rip Curl Pro has set a high bar for the days to come.
With the swell forecast looking promising and the main event set to resume, fans can expect more fireworks in the water. But for many who stood on the sand today, watching legends carve their signatures across the Bells canvas was already a highlight of the Easter weekend.
