The iconic Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Easter surfing event has been locked in until 2028 the state government has announced.
Minister for Tourism, Sport, and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos announced Victoria will remain the home of the world’s longest running surfing competition – that has made Bells Beach a world-renowned surfing destination while injecting millions of dollars into the region.
With an impressive roll call of surfing legends winning the event and earning the right to ‘ring the Bell,’ including Stephanie Gilmore, Layne Beachley, Kelly Slater and Mick Fanning, the Rip Curl Pro continues to attract some of the world’s best athletes.
“We’re proud to be locking in the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach for another four years – attracting thousands of visitors to the Surf Coast region and boosting local businesses and jobs,” Mr Dimopoulos said.
The government’s support also maintains the Victorian wildcard entry in the men’s and women’s competitions – providing an invaluable opportunity for homegrown emerging talent to surf their local break against the world’s best.
“WSL is thrilled to secure the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach until 2028, an iconic event on the WSL Championship Tour, and we sincerely thank the Victorian Government for their ongoing support, ensuring this tradition of ringing the Bell at Bells Beach endures,” World Surf League APAC president Andrew Stark said.
The event has been a mainstay of Victoria’s calendar of major events for decades, helping to boost business in the region over Easter and the school holidays.
