The World Surf League’s Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach in Victoria, Australia, faced significant disruptions over the weekend due to unfavorable surfing conditions. As of Saturday, April 19, 2025, competition was put on hold as organizers dealt with small surf and onshore winds that made the waves less than ideal for the competitors.
WSL deputy commissioner Renato Hickel announced the decision, stating, "We are calling the event off today as the waves are small and the onshore wind is ripping it apart." The next assessment of conditions is scheduled for early Sunday morning, April 20, 2025, when officials hope for an improvement that could allow the competition to resume.
After a promising start to the event, conditions deteriorated on Friday afternoon, April 18, leading to the cancellation of the men's opening round after only one heat was completed. Tom Bennett from the World Surf League expressed the team's disappointment, saying, "We've rocked up to Bells Beach to find pretty small and wind-affected conditions. We want to hold out and make sure the surfers get to compete in the best possible conditions, so we'll come back tomorrow morning and have a look and hope that those winds straighten up a bit more offshore and the conditions are a little more favorable."
Despite the setbacks, there was a glimmer of excitement as three legendary surfers—Mick Fanning, Stephanie Gilmore, and Mason Ho—took to the water for an impromptu exhibition. This hour-long show delighted fans and showcased the skills of these celebrated athletes. Fanning, who has been a staple at Bells Beach since his first appearance in 1997, reflected on his experiences, saying, "It's been incredible, my years coming down here. What a special place. There's so much history, so many incredible stories... I'm just honored to be a part of it."
Fanning, now 43, is a three-time World Champion and has secured 22 Championship Tour victories throughout his illustrious career. His presence, alongside fellow champions Gilmore and Ho, brought a sense of nostalgia and excitement to the event, even as the official competition remained on hold.
As for the competition itself, when it resumes, the men’s opening round will feature some intriguing matchups. The second heat will see Australian rookie George Pittar face off against 2017 Bells winner Jordy Smith, who is coming off a victory in El Salvador. Additionally, Brazilian surfer Italo Ferreira, currently ranked world No. 1, will compete against Victoria Trials winner Xavier Huxtable and Ramzi Boukhiam. Ferreira is looking to claim his second Bell after a stellar season.
Reigning Bells Beach champion Cole Houshmand will also be in action, taking on Australia’s Liam O’Brien and South Africa’s Matthew McGillivray. The opening round of the women’s event took place on Friday, with two-time Bells Beach champion Tyler Wright and fellow Australians Molly Picklum, Isabella Nichols, and Sally Fitzgibbons advancing to the next stage.
The Rip Curl Pro has a rich history, being held annually since 1961, with the exception of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, similar adverse conditions forced organizers to pause the event for 48 hours. This year, fans and competitors alike are hoping for a swift return to action as the WSL monitors conditions closely.
In the meantime, the surfing community is abuzz with anticipation. As the weather remains unpredictable, the WSL has promised to keep fans updated on potential resumption times. The excitement surrounding the event, coupled with the legendary presence of Fanning, Gilmore, and Ho, has ensured that interest remains high, even in the face of delays.
As the surfing world looks to the skies for improved conditions, all eyes will be on Bells Beach, where the waves may soon roar back to life, allowing competitors to showcase their skills in one of the sport's most iconic locations. With the next call on the competition expected early Sunday morning, fans are hopeful that the surfing action will soon resume, bringing the thrill of the Rip Curl Pro back to the forefront of the sporting calendar.
