The world’s best surfers have gathered at Bells Beach for the Rip Curl Pro as local hopefuls lament losing their opportunities to compete against them over Easter.
World champion John John Florence, three-time title holder Mick Fanning and reigning Bells victor Jordy Smith joined counterparts Tyler Wright and Lakey Peterson to launch the event this week.
Fanning, competing in his final world tour event before retirement, said Bells was still a special place to him after winning the event four times during his career.
“I really love Bells and how pretty this place is with the cliffs and surroundings,” he said.
“There are also so many moments in surfing folklore from this place that it just feels special to be here. I first came here in 1998, and now 20 years later I’m coming here for my last event.
“I’ve come full circle. It’s my last event but definitely not my last time here at Bells.
“I’ll be surfing here for a long time to come.”
Hawaiian Florence was looking forward to redemption at Bells after a shock second-round exist at the Gold Coast’s Quiksilver Pro earlier this month.
“The Bell is probably the most legendary trophy in surfing. I’d be super excited to ring it but it’s a hard one to win because a lot of guys seem to have this wave dialled.
“I do feel at home here. It’s a challenging wave but I love the raw ocean power and how it’s always changing – it keeps you on your toes.”
The event began on Wednesday, with forecasts for favourable surfing conditions over the Easter long weekend.
A handful of local surfers will watch the competition enviously after failing to win wildcard entries in trials competitions earlier this week.
Philip Island’s Carl Wright won his first men’s wildcard in 10 years of attempts, consigning hopes of Jan Juc’s Jack Perry to second place in overhead surf.
Jan Juc’s India Robertson had the region’s highest placing in the women’s trials, finishing third behind wildcard winner Kobie Enright, of the Tweed Coast.
