This Way In, Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach 2024
A Monster Energy preview of the 2024 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach
Location, Location, Location
The longest running surf contest in the world is held every year at Bells Beach, just outside the town of Torquay about an hour and half drive from Melbourne. Given the event’s been running since 1962, it’s unsurprising that it’s steeped in tradition and reverence. The contest site blares AC/DC’s “Hell’s Bells” every morning. Easter celebrations abound. Announcers remind the crowd several times a day that the surfers must “win it to ring it,” a reference to the coveted trophy — an actual bell. Still, they’ve modernized things enough to include a more high performance wave as a backup venue. In fact, many prefer the steep walls of Winkipop to Bells’ slopey sections. An irresistible blend of old and new.
The 2024 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach runs from March 26 - April 5. Tune into worldsurfleague.com to cheer on the Monster team!
Monster Threats
Ethan Ewing: He won here last year, and there’s not a surfer on tour that’s better suited for Bells. We smell a repeat.
Bettylou Sakura Johnson: BSJ grew up on a bouncy right, so the points of Torquay will be familiar territory.
Crosby Colapinto: Currently in the top 10, a strong finish at Bells will make Crosby a likely contender for Rookie Of The Year.
Gabriel Medina: Pundits said he was robbed in the semis in Portugal, and it’s well known that Gabe surfs well when he’s got something to prove. Beware the slighted Medina!
Yago Dora: If the comp drifts down to Winkipop, Yago’s searing backhand will be a force to contend with.
Seth Moniz: Seth seems to have developed an affinity for Bells and Winki over the years. Look for that familiarity to yield results.
Kade Matson: Currently sitting outside the mid-year cut line, Kade needs a big result at Bells to feel safe going into West Oz.
Three questions
How’s the forecast? Pretty good right out the gates. Expect the contest directors to capitalize on every drop of daylight on Day 1.
When’s the midyear cut, again? That comes in Western Australia, which is the contest after Bells. The added stakes make the Bells event all the more exciting.
What will the surfers be up to on lay days? A whole lotta golf, and exploration of the Great Ocean Road.
