The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy, Stop No. 5 of the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, kicked off in classic Easter Weekend style as clean three-to-four-foot sets rolled into the iconic Bells Bowl. With the women’s Opening Round wrapped before the high tide swallowed the surf, it was a morning of high stakes and big moments. The men’s competition managed just one heat before conditions forced organisers to call a hold, leaving the spotlight squarely on the women to set the tone for the event.
From local heroes to international frontrunners, Day One served up a little bit of everything. The clean morning conditions allowed some of the Championship Tour’s best to post solid scores and make early statements, while the packed beach crowd got a taste of surf action with specialty heats and surprise appearances before competition was paused. The next call is scheduled for 6:45 a.m. AEST on Saturday, April 19, with a potential start at 7:03 a.m.
Gabriella Bryan Brings the Heat from El Salvador to Bells
Gabriela Bryan (HAW) showed no signs of slowing down after her impressive run in El Salvador last week. The 23-year-old set the day’s high mark with a two-wave total of 15.50, dominating her Opening Round heat and cruising directly into the Round of 16.
“It’s awesome. I [surfed the] last heat in El Salvador, first in Bells, it's kind of crazy,” Bryan said. “It happened so fast, but I'm just taking all the momentum and just kind of doing the same thing I've been doing.”
Bryan’s powerful start left Costa Rica’s Brisa Hennessy chasing with scores of 6.50 and 5.67, which were enough to secure the second-place advancing position. Injury replacement Nadia Erostarbe (ESP) finished third and will now have to battle her way through the Elimination Round.
Ellie Harrison Makes a Wildcard Statement – Again
The Bells crowd loves a local story, and Ellie Harrison (AUS) delivered one right on cue. Stepping in as a wildcard for Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA), Harrison tapped into her intimate knowledge of the Bells lineup to beat fellow Aussie and event favourite Molly Picklum and CT rookie Vahine Fierro (FRA).
“It was fun out there, but I don't know, I was really, really nervous in that heat,” Harrison admitted after her win. “Everything felt like it was going wrong. My alarm didn't set this morning, so I woke up late… but when I came down and there were waves, I was just really excited to get out there.”
Harrison, who pulled a similar Opening Round upset at Bells in 2024, once again sent Picklum to the Elimination Round and secured her own spot in the Round of 16. With the hometown energy firmly behind her, the wildcard will be one to watch as the event unfolds.
Lakey Peterson and Lindblad Impress, Carolione Marks heads to Elimination
It was a mixed day for the American contingent, with both familiar veterans and rising stars making their mark.
Lakey Peterson (USA) leaned into her deep connection with Bells and posted a narrow win over current World No. 1 Caity Simmers (USA). Peterson’s total edged Simmers by just 1.83 points, giving her direct passage to the Round of 16 while local wildcard Carly Shanahan (AUS) will now have to fight her way out of the Elimination Round.
“My husband grew up right over the hill here, so I've been coming here a lot, for like 10 years now… So it feels like a second home,” Peterson said. “I love Bells, and I hope it continues to love me back this whole week.”
Sawyer Lindblad (USA), continuing her solid sophomore season, turned in another confident performance in Heat 6. Her 14.63 total secured the win over Isabella Nichols (AUS) and Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW), who heads to the Elimination Round.
Swell Slows, Competition Paused
Despite the early energy, the rising tide began to swallow the Bells lineup by mid-morning, and the men’s Opening Round was cut short after just one heat. With conditions no longer contestable, WSL officials paused competition and shifted focus to the beach, where fans enjoyed appearances from iconic guests and surfers took part in light-hearted specialty heats.
With more swell forecast and favourable winds predicted, anticipation now builds for Saturday’s restart. The next call will determine whether the men's and women's Elimination Rounds get underway or if organisers hold out for more optimal conditions later in the waiting period.
With Bryan and Harrison setting the early pace, and big names like Peterson and Lindblad firing on all cylinders, Bells Beach has already delivered compelling storylines on Day One. As the Easter crowd grows and the swell looks to pulse again, all eyes will be on the next rounds to see who can ring the Bell and ride the momentum.
Stay tuned for Tomorrows Call at Bells Beach— the competition’s only just begun.
