Today, on Good Friday, April 18, 2025, the highly anticipated Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach officially kicks off, marking the fifth stop on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour. Surf fans are in for a treat as the competition unfolds at one of the most iconic surf spots in the world, known for its clean two-to-four-foot waves and vibrant atmosphere. The event began at 7:30 a.m. local time with the women’s opening round, setting the stage for an exciting day of surfing.
As the sun rose over Bells Beach, the air was filled with the electrifying energy of the competition, reminiscent of the legendary AC/DC classic "Hells Bells," which traditionally heralds the start of each competition day. This year marks the 62nd edition of the Rip Curl Pro, and with it, the world’s best surfers are ready to showcase their skills as they compete for valuable points in the championship standings.
In the women’s opening round, Heat 1 featured Gabriela Bryan, Brisa Hennessy, and injury replacement Nadia Erostarbe. Bryan enters this heat with momentum after her breakthrough victory at the Surf City El Salvador Pro, while Hennessy, currently ranked World No. 12, is looking to secure her place above the Mid-season Cut line. Erostarbe, stepping in as an injury replacement, aims to capitalize on this opportunity at one of the tour’s most celebrated venues.
Heat 3 is particularly noteworthy, as it will see World No. 1 and defending Bells Beach champion Caitlin Simmers take on experienced competitor Lakey Peterson and local Trials winner Carly Shanahan. Simmers, returning to Bells in top form, is eager to defend her title and extend her lead in the rankings. Peterson, who considers Bells a second home, brings years of experience to the table, while Shanahan, making her CT debut, hopes her familiarity with the break will give her an edge.
The men’s draw is equally thrilling, with several standout surfers ready to make their mark. Heat 1 features Rio Waida from Indonesia, who is currently ranked eighth after a strong showing in Abu Dhabi, where he finished second. Waida will face off against Crosby Colapinto from the USA and Imaikalani deVault from Hawaii. The competition is fierce, and Waida is looking to build on his momentum as he aims for a spot in the finals.
Another notable matchup includes Leonardo Fioravanti of Italy, who is currently ranked sixth after a solid performance with a second-place finish at Pipe and two ninths. Fioravanti, a stylish surfer and fierce competitor, is supported by his stepdad, Stephen Bell, a former caddy for surfing legend Kelly Slater. With a strong foundation and experience, Fioravanti is poised to make a significant impact at Bells.
Meanwhile, Al Cleland Jr., Mexico’s first full-time WCT surfer, is making waves in the competition. At just 22 years old, Cleland has overcome numerous challenges, including a difficult start to his career without sponsorship. His hard work paid off when he secured a spot on the tour after John Florence announced his year off. Cleland’s infectious spirit and impressive power gouges have caught the attention of fans, and many are eager to see how he performs at Bells.
As the competition heats up, all eyes will be on Molly Picklum, who has been the most consistent female surfer on tour this season. At 22 years old, she has reached the last four in all four events to date and was a runner-up in the wave pool event in Abu Dhabi. However, an event win has eluded her so far in 2025, leaving her ranked third overall, behind Simmers and Bryan, who each have one event win.
Tyler Wright, a two-time WSL champion, is also looking to bounce back after a rocky start to the season. Currently ranked fifth overall, Wright won the opening event at Pipeline but struggled in subsequent rounds. She remains a formidable contender at Bells, where her experience and skill can shine through.
Among the local talents, Carly Shanahan and Ellie Harrison are generating buzz as they represent the next generation of Australian women’s surfing. Harrison, just 19 years old, impressed last year by reaching the quarter-finals after winning through the trials. Both surfers are expected to showcase their skills and potentially make a significant impact in the competition.
For the men, Ethan Ewing is among the favorites, known for his rail surfing that suits the long lines of Bells Beach. Ewing, who won the Bells title two years ago, enters this year’s event ranked second in the world. His consistent performance throughout the season, including reaching the semi-finals in Abu Dhabi and Portugal, has positioned him as a strong contender for the title.
As the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach unfolds, the stakes are high. With the upcoming Margaret River Pro looming, the competition will soon see the men’s lineup drop from 34 to 22 surfers and the women’s from 18 to 10. The best-placed surfer from the three Australian legs will also win a car, adding another layer of excitement to the event.
As the waves roll in and the competition heats up, fans and surfers alike are eager for what promises to be an exhilarating few days at Bells Beach. The combination of top-tier talent, iconic waves, and the electric atmosphere creates a perfect storm for surfing enthusiasts. The Bells Beach Pro is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of surfing culture, where legends are made and dreams are realized.
With favorable conditions forecasted, the competition is expected to run intermittently until late next week, around April 25, 2025. Every morning will begin with the familiar chords of AC/DC, setting the tone for the day’s thrilling events. As the surfers prepare to tackle the waves, the excitement builds—who will ring the coveted bell at the end of this year’s Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach?
