Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach 2026 Enters Holding Pattern Due to Lack of Waves

The organization confirmed the cancellation of the first two days of competition due to inconsistent and decreasing swell at both Bells Beach and the alternate venue, Winkipop.

The start of the 2026 Championship Tour season of the World Surf League was limited by the lack of swell; however, the WSL remains optimistic, as the long-term forecast shows improved conditions for the Easter weekend.

Lineup at Bells Beach before the start of the 2026 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. Photo: WSL / Katey Shearer

The next call has been set for Friday, April 3 at 7:45 a.m. AEDT, with a possible start at 8:05 a.m. The event is expected to feature standout matchups in both categories, the debut of young talents, and major returns, including the comeback of multiple world champions Carissa Moore and Stephanie Gilmore.

Carissa Moore, five-time WSL champion and native of Hawaii, at the opening ceremony prior to the start of the 2026 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. Photo: WSL / Cait Miers

In the women’s division, two-time Bells champion Sally Fitzgibbons will face CT rookie Yolanda Hopkins in the opening heat. In the second heat of Round 1, Alyssa Spencer will take on France’s Tya Zebrowski, who, at just 15 years old, became the youngest surfer ever to qualify for the Championship Tour.

Erin Brooks of Canada at the Rising Tides activation prior to the start of the 2026 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. Photo: WSL / Katey Shearer

In the men’s division, the opening-round heats also promise strong action. Mateus Herdy will face Liam O'Brien in a clash of contrasting styles. In the following heat, one of Australia’s most exciting surfers, Dane Henry, will take on CT rookie Oscar Berry.

Mateus Herdy of Brazil at the opening ceremony prior to the start of the 2026 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. Photo: WSL / Ed Sloane

Later, rookie Luke Thompson will compete against Ramzi Boukhiam, who returns to the CT after a serious knee injury suffered during last year's Bells Beach event. Finally, Callum Robson will face local surfer Xavier Huxtable, both with strong results at this historic stop.

With a wide competition window, organizers remain optimistic about launching the first event of the 2026 CT season in high-quality conditions — the iconic Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach presented by Bonsoy.