The World Surf League's Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach has been put on hold on Saturday, April 19, 2025, due to unfavorable winds and small surf at Bells Beach and Winkipop. The decision to halt the competition was made as conditions failed to meet the standards required for the event, a disappointment for surfers and fans alike.
Renato Hickel, WSL deputy commissioner, explained the situation: "We are calling the event off today as the waves are small and the onshore wind is ripping it apart. Expectations are low for tomorrow, but we are hoping that with improved wind, there is enough energy to resume competition. If not, Monday, there is another bump in swell, so that could also be an option to run the remainder of the men's opening round."
The next call on when to resume competition will be made early on Sunday, April 20, 2025. The anticipation is palpable as fans and competitors await news of whether the event can continue. When the competition resumes, the men's opening round will pick up with the second heat featuring Australian rookie George Pittar against 2017 Bells winner Jordy Smith, who is fresh off a win in El Salvador, and Brazil's Edgard Groggia.
Victoria Trials winner Xavier Huxtable will also be in action, taking on the talented goofy-foot duo of Italo Ferreira and Ramzi Boukhiam. Brazilian Ferreira comes into the event ranked world No.1 and is eager to claim his second Bell. Meanwhile, reigning Bells Beach champion Cole Houshmand will face off against Australia's Liam O'Brien and South Africa's Matthew McGillivray.
Earlier in the week, the opening round of the women's event took place on Friday, April 18, 2025. Australia’s two-time Bells Beach champion Tyler Wright, alongside fellow Australians Molly Picklum, El Salvador runner-up Isabella Nichols, and Sally Fitzgibbons, all made their way through to the next stage of the competition. The women's event showcased the depth of talent present in the field, setting the stage for an exciting championship.
Bells Beach, located in Torquay, Australia, is renowned as the ultimate venue for competitive surfing. The red clay cliffs that tower over the beach create a natural amphitheater, drawing thousands of spectators every Easter as the world's best surfers compete for surfing's most prestigious trophy. The event has been a staple of the competitive surfing calendar since its inception, with the first surfing competition held in 1961 known as the Bells Beach Easter Rally. By 1973, it had become entrenched on the world circuit and has been known as the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach ever since.
This year’s event continues a legacy that has seen numerous legendary surfers claim victory. Gail Couper, a standout competitor, won an incredible ten Bells events between 1964 and 1976, a record that remains unbroken. In 1981, Simon Anderson made waves—quite literally—by unleashing the thruster, a tri-fin surfboard design that changed the sport forever.
Joe Sweeney, who passed away in 2016, was another key figure in the history of Bells Beach. He crafted every Bells trophy until his death, and his legacy continues to resonate with competitors today. Since the competition began, only 53 surfers have had the privilege of ringing the Bell, making it an exclusive club that few can join.
Australia has dominated the event, with two-thirds of male winners and a third of all female champions hailing from the country. The history of Bells is rich with stories of triumph, innovation, and the spirit of competition. The likes of Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning, and Stephanie Gilmore are among the many champions who have left their mark on this iconic event.
One of the most memorable moments in recent history occurred in 2018 when Italo Ferreira claimed his first-ever CT win at Bells Beach, defeating Mick Fanning in a dramatic final. Ferreira, who has since become a fan favorite, has a unique connection to the event, famously getting a tattoo of a koala ringing a Bell on his bicep to commemorate his victory.
The waves at Bells Beach are not just a test of skill; they require surfers to master the fundamentals of power surfing. Unlike other locations that favor flashy aerial maneuvers, Bells demands a different approach. Competitors must lay their boards on rail at full speed, showcasing maximum flow and commitment. This is what makes Bells Beach a true test of style, power, and technique.
As the Championship Tour descends on Bells Beach, the town of Torquay transforms into a vibrant hub of activity. The annual arrival of the tour brings with it a festival atmosphere, complete with demo days, live music, art shows, and industry parties that light up the Easter long weekend. The local community embraces the influx of visitors, celebrating the rich surfing culture that defines the area.
With the competition currently on hold, all eyes are on the ocean as surfers and fans alike hope for improved conditions. The next call for competition will be made early Sunday morning, and if conditions allow, the excitement of the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach will continue. Whether it resumes tomorrow or on Monday, the anticipation is building for what promises to be an unforgettable showcase of surfing talent.
As the surfers prepare to hit the water, they carry with them the weight of history and the legacy of those who have come before them. The spirit of competition at Bells Beach is alive and well, and regardless of the outcome, the event will continue to be a highlight of the surfing calendar for years to come.
