Former Rip Curl Pro trials winner Tim Stevenson and reigning women’s champion Bella Wilson, both from Jan Juc, claimed Victorian Open crowns at Bells Beach.
Going into the remaining event of the year on the men’s side of the draw, local Surf Coast friends Todd Rosewall, Tim Stevenson and Cahill Bell-Warren were all in the running for the state title with each surfer holding either a win or a second place in their ranking.
With all the men making the final, along with young gun Tully Wylie, it was set up to be a mouth-watering clash with the winner of the final taking home the coveted Open Men’s state title.
Stevenson started with a strong eight-point ride in the final. He then backed it up with a 4.67 to make up a 12.67 heat total out of a possible 20. Coming in second was Cahill Bell-Warren (9.90 total), third was state title runner up Todd Rosewall (9.27 total) and rounding it out was Tully Wylie with an 8.34 total.
“I’m stoked to get a win here at Bells Beach and clench the state title,” Stevenson said.
“It’s great to have so much support down here from Jan Juc Boardriders and the local community.”
Bella Wilson was far too good for her fellow competitors smashing out a strong heat total of 15.83 which included an excellent nine-point ride. Wilson seemed to thrive in the small Rincon conditions as she slashed her way to back to back Open Women’s state titles.
Coming in second was former Rip Curl Pro wildcard Zoe Clarke (10.50 total), with Jazz Wylie (8.93 total) and Ellie Harrison (8.17 total) coming in third and fourth respectively.
MEANWHILE Torquay Boardriders Club cemented its position as the most successful boardriders club in Victorian history over the past decade by winning its eighth straight Victorian Teams Titles at Bells Beach.
Torquay dominated from the beginning winning the semi-final heats in both open and junior.
“I am so proud of Torquay Boardriders Club today” said club president Cahill Bell-Warren.
“The best thing about this win is that everyone played their role and we had a massive showing on the beach.
“It was epic to see so many clubs at the event, this was easily the biggest club event we have had for years.”
Finishing in second place in the teams event was Jan Juc Boardriders with 36.60 points. Phillip Island finished third on 23.91 points with 13th Beach fourth on 17.97 points.
The Junior Teams event saw Torquay finish on 34.64 points and showcasing its incredible depth of talent.
13th Beach finished in second on 26.11 points, with Point Lonsdale third on 18.80.
