The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy kicked off today, April 18, 2025, marking the fifth stop on the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT). The opening day began at 7:30 a.m. with the women’s opening round, showcasing some of the world’s best surfers at the iconic Bells Beach, where clean two-to-four-foot waves provided a perfect backdrop for the competition.
In the women’s opening round, Heat 1 featured an exciting matchup between Gabriela Bryan, Brisa Hennessy, and injury replacement Nadia Erostarbe. Bryan, who came into the event with momentum from her recent victory at the Surf City El Salvador Pro, showcased her skills by winning the heat with an impressive score of 15.50, ahead of Hennessy, who scored 12.33, and Erostarbe, who finished with 8.90. Bryan’s performance set a high standard for the rest of the competition.
Heat 3 saw defending champion Caitlin Simmers, currently ranked World No. 1, face off against Lakey Peterson and local Trials winner Carly Shanahan. Simmers, looking to defend her title, put on a strong performance, but it was Peterson who took the heat with a score of 13.50, while Simmers scored 11.67, and Shanahan struggled with a score of 2.90. Peterson’s experience at Bells Beach, which she considers a second home, proved invaluable as she navigated the tricky conditions.
Tyler Wright, a two-time Rip Curl Pro winner, also made a significant impact during her heat. Competing in Heat 5, Wright posted the second-best wave score of the day with an 8.17, ultimately winning her heat with a total score of 14.84. This victory allowed her to progress to the round of 16, marking a strong return to Bells Beach after a challenging start to the season. “It feels so calming,” Wright said. “I was actually really disappointed with El Salvador. My surfing in the free surf was really good, and then in the heat, I wasn’t super impressed. My boards feel great, and I feel fit and strong. I’m happy to be healthy and surfing here when there are waves.”
Despite the excitement in the women’s competition, the men’s opening round faced challenges as conditions deteriorated throughout the day. Only one heat of the men’s round was completed before organizers called off the competition due to poor surf conditions. Crosby Colapinto won Heat 1, scoring 12.84, while Rio Waida and Imaikalani deVault finished with scores of 10.20 and 8.07, respectively. The decision to halt the competition was disappointing for many, but organizers remained hopeful for better conditions on Saturday.
The day was not without its highlights, as the beach was filled with fans celebrating Easter Weekend. An Icons Heat featuring surfing legends Mick Fanning, Stephanie Gilmore, and Mason Ho entertained the crowd with an hour-long expression session, showcasing their skills without the pressure of competition. The event also included a heritage heat with former tour athletes riding twin fins shaped by renowned Australian board builders.
As the women’s opening round concluded, the excitement shifted to the elimination round, where competitors faced the pressure of potentially being knocked out of the competition. The matchups included Caroline Marks against Luana Silva and Carly Shanahan, while Vahine Fierro faced Bettylou Sakura Johnson and Nadia Erostarbe. With the stakes higher than ever, the anticipation for Saturday’s competition grew.
Wright’s performance was particularly noteworthy, as she looked like a two-time Bells winner in her heat. “This is the freest I’ve surfed in a long time,” she reflected. Her connection to the local Indigenous community and the history of Bells Beach added an emotional layer to her participation. “It carries so much weight,” she said. “For everyone that’s been raised here, for everyone that’s been coming down to Wadawurrung country — I’ve been coming down here since, I think, 2006 maybe, and so being here at Djarrak, it does something to your soul.”
Ellie Harrison, stepping in as a wildcard for Tatiana Weston-Webb, also impressed during her heat. Despite feeling nervous, she managed to secure a spot in the next round, demonstrating her resilience and determination. “It was fun out there, but I was really, really nervous in that heat,” Harrison admitted. “Everything felt like it was going wrong.”
Meanwhile, rookie Bella Kenworthy, who has been competing with a knee brace since tearing her ACL, showed remarkable skill by besting veteran Sally Fitzgibbons in her heat. “I’ve been trying to just block out the fact that that was only my fourth session out there,” Kenworthy said, emphasizing her focus on learning and improving.
As the day came to a close, the competition at Bells Beach remained intense and unpredictable. With the forecast looking uncertain for the next few days, the surfers are poised for a battle, eager to seize every opportunity presented by the waves. The next call for the competition will be made on Saturday, April 19, at 6:45 a.m. AEST, with hopes for a possible 7:03 a.m. start.
In summary, the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach has kicked off with thrilling performances from the women, while the men’s competition awaits better conditions. As the surfers prepare for another day of action, fans can expect more excitement from the legendary Bells Beach.
