The World Surf League’s Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach has been suspended for Saturday, as unfavorable conditions disrupted the competition. With small waves and onshore winds tearing through the surf, officials called off the day’s events at both Bells Beach and the neighboring Winkipop.
Renato Hickel, the WSL’s deputy commissioner, explained the decision: “The waves are small, and the onshore wind is ripping it apart. With expectations low for today, we hope the wind will improve overnight and provide enough energy to resume the competition tomorrow.”
However, Hickel emphasized that Sunday’s forecast was not promising, and if conditions remained unsuitable, organizers would aim to resume the event on Monday, with a potential bump in swell expected. The next official call regarding the resumption of competition will be made early Sunday morning.
Upcoming Heats Await Resumption
When the competition resumes, the men’s opening round will continue with a highly anticipated second heat featuring Australian rookie George Pittar. He will compete against 2017 Bells winner Jordy Smith, fresh off a victory in El Salvador, and Brazil’s Edgard Groggia.
In another exciting match-up, Victoria Trials winner Xavier Huxtable will face off against two-time World Champion Italo Ferreira and Ramzi Boukhiam. Ferreira, currently ranked world No. 1, is looking to capture his second Bells Beach title. Reigning champion Cole Houshmand will take on Australia’s Liam O’Brien and South Africa’s Matthew McGillivray in the next round.
Women’s Event Progresses
The opening round of the women’s event took place on Friday, with notable performances from Australia’s Tyler Wright, a two-time Bells Beach champion, and fellow Australians Molly Picklum, Isabella Nichols, and Sally Fitzgibbons. All of them advanced to the next round of the competition, setting the stage for a thrilling continuation once conditions improve.
Stay tuned for updates as the Rip Curl Pro event at Bells Beach is set to resume, weather permitting.