Day 1 done at WSL Bells Beach: Wright, Bryan, Harrison progress

Bryan, Harrison and Wright Impress in Women’s Opening Round

Gabriela Bryan (HAW) carried her El Salvador form straight into Bells, opening the event with a commanding 15.50 two-wave total to advance directly to the Round of 16. The Hawaiian looked confident from the outset, holding off Brisa Hennessy (CRC) and injury replacement Nadia Erostarbe (ESP).

Wildcard Ellie Harrison (AUS) capitalised on her local knowledge to post another impressive Bells result, defeating 2023 runner-up Molly Picklum (AUS) and rookie Vahine Fierro (FRA). Harrison, who also caused upsets here in 2024, used the bigger sets to her advantage in a heat she later admitted started with chaos — waking up late after missing her alarm.

Two-time Bells winner Tyler Wright (AUS) looked sharp and focused, carving out a heat win with an excellent 8.17 on her best wave. Wright advanced past rookie Erin Brooks (CAN) and Luana Silva (BRA), declaring she’s feeling the “freest” she has in years.

Mixed Results for Top-Ranked Americans

Current World No. 1 Caity Simmers (USA) will have to surf through the Elimination Round after placing second to Lakey Peterson (USA) in their heat. Peterson leaned on local ties — her husband grew up nearby — to power through with experience and control.

Meanwhile, Caroline Marks (USA) also failed to advance directly, losing to rookie Bella Kenworthy (USA) and Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS). Kenworthy, who has been red-hot this season, showed poise beyond her years in just her fourth session at Bells.

Sawyer Lindblad (USA), the 2024 Rookie of the Year, continued her consistent season with a confident heat win over Isabella Nichols (AUS) and Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW), securing her third Round of 16 berth this year.

WSL Bells Beach Day 1 Highlights

Men’s Opening Round Stalled After One Heat

Only one men’s Opening Round heat was completed before the rising tide and sea breeze forced organisers to call off the rest of the day. CT sophomore Crosby Colapinto (USA) used smart wave selection to take the win over Rio Waida (INA) and Imaikalani deVault (HAW). Waida advanced in second place, while deVault will head to the Elimination Round.

With slow conditions expected to improve overnight, the men’s draw will resume once competition is back on Saturday.

Specialty Heats Entertain Crowds as Tide Rises

With the competition paused, Easter Weekend crowds at Bells were treated to a pair of specialty sessions. First, the ‘Rip Curl Icons Heat’ lit up the Bells Bowl with legends Mick Fanning, Stephanie Gilmore, and Mason Ho trading waves and laughs.

Next, the ‘Stone & Wood Afternoon Delight’ Twin Fin Session gave former CT stars and local favourites a chance to shine on retro crafts shaped by icons like Bob McTavish, Mark Richards, and Josh Kerr. With beers in hand and cheers from the hill, it was a perfect way to cap off Day 1 at Bells.

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Women’s Opening Round Results

• HEAT 1: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 15.50 DEF. Brisa Hennessy (CRC) 12.33, Nadia Erostarbe (ESP) 8.90
• HEAT 2: Ellie Harrison (AUS) 13.00 DEF. Molly Picklum (AUS) 9.23, Vahine Fierro (FRA) 8.76
• HEAT 3: Lakey Peterson (USA) 13.50 DEF. Caitlin Simmers (USA) 11.67, Carly Shanahan (AUS) 2.90
• HEAT 4: Bella Kenworthy (USA) 13.00 DEF. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 11.17, Caroline Marks (USA) 10.60
• HEAT 5: Tyler Wright (AUS) 14.84 DEF. Erin Brooks (CAN) 12.76, Luana Silva (BRA) 7.76
• HEAT 6: Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 14.63 DEF. Isabella Nichols (AUS) 12.66, Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) 5.00

El Salvador Pro Men’s Opening Round – Saturday 19/04/2025