Competition at the Rip Curl Pro remains on hold for a third straight day, with unfavorable conditions continuing to stall the World Surf League (WSL) event at Bells Beach.
WSL officials postponed Monday’s schedule following an early morning assessment, citing persistent onshore winds and a weak, inconsistent swell. Hopes that a lower tide might improve conditions were ultimately dashed.
“Once again, we’ve made several calls this morning, but had to call the event off,” said WSL Deputy Commissioner Renato Hickel. “We were hoping the lower tide would improve things, but we still have a small swell and onshore, unfavourable winds.”
However, Hickel expressed optimism that the event would resume on Tuesday.
“The good news is that from tomorrow onwards, we’re expecting some solid swell,” he said. “Even though the winds may remain less than ideal, we anticipate getting competition underway.”
So far, only one heat of the men’s opening round has been completed. American surfer Crosby Colapinto, in excellent form, claimed victory in the lone contest.
When competition resumes, rising Australian talent George Pittar will be the first local surfer in the water, facing South African veteran Jordy Smith and Brazil’s Edgard Groggia in heat three.
Smith, who secured victory in El Salvador earlier this month, is eyeing a second title at Bells Beach following his 2017 triumph.
Australia’s top-ranked male surfer, Ethan Ewing, currently second in the world standings behind Brazil’s Italo Ferreira, will open his campaign in heat five. He’ll go head-to-head with fellow Australian Morgan Cibilic and Hawaii’s Seth Moniz.
In the women’s draw, round one was completed on Friday, with two-time Bells Beach champion Tyler Wright leading a strong Australian showing. Fellow Aussies Molly Picklum, Isabella Nichols—runner-up in El Salvador—and Sally Fitzgibbons also advanced to the next stage.