Bells Beach will host the Longboard Classic for another three years, thanks to state government support.
The World Surf League Longboard Tour event will return to Bells Beach from September 17 to 21 next year, adding to the annual Rip Curl Pro at Bells over Easter, secured until 2028.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos said the Longboard Classic had been secured for the beach to 2027 thanks to the state government’s Regional Events Fund.
“These events bring the world’s best surfers to Victoria, showcasing our extraordinary coastline to millions globally while driving tourism and economic benefits for the region,” he said
“By locking in the Longboard Classic and Rip Curl Pro, we’re cementing Victoria as Australia’s premier destination for surfing events and giving surfers a chance to shine on the global stage.”
Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority community, corporate affairs and visitor economy director Andy Mathers said the event would bring “big crowds, big waves and a big boost” for the economy.
“We’re thrilled that the world’s best longboard surfers will return to Australia’s spiritual home of surfing at Bells Beach for another three years,” he said.
“The Longboard Classic and Rip Curl Pro attract surfing fans from all over the world to our region, with stunning images of the Surf Coast beamed into homes across the globe.”
Surf Coast Shire Mayor Mike Bodsworth said having the “spectacular” longboard event at the “iconic” Bells Beach location was great.
“Torquay is known as Australia’s home of surfing and… to have this world class event in our backyard helps cement that title,” he said.
“This Bells Beach event is the only stop in Australia of the World Longboard Tour and it’s a great chance for local surfing fans to see the best longboard surfers in the world.”
World Surf League Asia Pacific president Andrew Stark said he was glad to have Bells Beach as the second stop on the world tour.
“Bells Beach is such a fantastic wave to have on this World Longboard tour, so it’s excellent to have it locked in for years to come,” he said.
