For the first time since 2019, the world’s best have touched down in Victoria for the longest-running surfing event, The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach.
The competition window is now open for the fifty-ninth edition of Bells Beach, with event organisers putting the competition on hold due to small surf, and we await a call tomorrow for hopefully better conditions.
The iconic event has a winner list that includes names like Kelly Slater, Lisa Andersen, Sunny Garcia, Carissa Moore, Andy Irons, Mick Fanning, Layne Beachley, Joel Parkinson, Stephanie Gilmore, and John John Florence to name a few, the Bells trophy is one of the most coveted in the sport.
The event also welcomes back surfing legend Mick Fanning who is chasing his fifth bells title, after being granted a wild card into the event. However, he will be facing a fired-up list of competitors who are hoping to avoid the midseason cut after the conclusion of the Australian leg.
“I guess the main thing I’m feeling coming into Bells this time around is a lot older,” Fanning said. “I was 19 back then and had more energy than most people so a bit has changed. It’s good to come back to Bells and have the event back here.
I know the Rip Curl family and the Torquay community are stoked to have everyone back in town so it’s great to keep History moving on. This year has been incredible so far with Kelly winning, wildcards winning, and Brisa in the No. 1 spot. It’s been a totally different look so I’m excited to be here and observe it first hand.”