Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach: Simmers, Houshmand take the crown
In an impressive showcase of surfing skills, Californian surfers Caitlin Simmers and Cole Houshmand emerged victorious at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, event four on the 2024 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT).
Simmers, 18, displayed composure and strategic thinking as she outperformed France’s experienced surfer Johanne Defay in a thrilling final on April 3.
Securing her spot at the top of the CT rankings with a last-minute wave, Simmers solidified her position as a rising talent in the surfing world.
On the other hand, 23-year-old newcomer Houshmand claimed his first CT win in an unforgettable battle against top-seeded Griffin Colapinto.
Houshmand’s victory marked a moment being the all-American final at Bells Beach since the CT began back in 1976.
“I’m speechless, this is unbelievable,” said Houshmand.
“I’ve been dreaming about this every day for the past few weeks, ringing the bell, and I did it.
“My biggest goal was to make the cut to compete in Fiji and now I can aim even higher. The year really starts now.
“I told Griffin that this was what we dreamed of as kids — making a CT final together.
“It’s not every day you get to do a final with your best friend, so this is probably the best day of my life.”
Simmers echoed Houshmand’s thoughts, highlighting the importance of self-confidence in surfing.
“In this sport, you always have to believe in yourself because these things happen,” she said.
“It was incredible, and I can’t even believe it.
“Competing at such a high level, you need to find ways to gain an edge, and it’s amazing to get the win here.
“This wave is very challenging, and wow, being the world number one is great. I just hope I can ring the bell (laughs).”
With attention now shifting to the Western Australia Margaret River Pro in the world of surfing, excitement mounts for what lies ahead in the next phase of the CT season.
The top surfing bookmakers currently have no odds for Margaret River, which is set between April 11–21.