Rip Curl Pro: Aussies Isabella Nichols and Jack Robinson win at Bells Beach
It was an all-Aussie clean sweep at Bells Beach as Isabella Nichols charged past former champion Tyler Wright and world number two Gabriela Bryan to take the iconic title, while Jack Robinson joined the Rip Curl Pro success.
Surfing
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Gritty Queensland surfer Isabella Nichols has added another incredible chapter for Aussies at the iconic Bells Beach pro tour event, taking down Brazil’s Luana Silva to claim the title.
Nichols, 27, went on a giant-killing run through the rounds at this year’s Bells event in Victoria, taking out former world champion Tyler Wright, rising star Erin Brooks and current world No. 2, Gabriela Bryan of Hawaii, on her way to the final.
It was Nichols first time in the final at Bells and she made it count, with an overall score of 16.26 from her best scoring waves (8.33, 7.93).
The Australian’s high scores put enormous pressure on Silva, who could not get a result from the judges above 7.
Immediately after the final Nichols said she was thrilled to have her family on hand to watch the big moment.
“Nothing beats this,” she told the WSL.
“I’ve been chasing that feeling since I won Margs (Margaret River Pro) three years ago. I thought that feeling could never be topped and I was always chasing it … this is the best day of my life.
“I just had to have complete trust out there because I have spent so many hours surfing out at Bells Bowl.”
Nichols said it would be hard to fathom coming back to Bells in 2026 with her name etched on the famed steps to the beach as one of the event champions.
She now moves to No. 4 on the rankings and will take plenty of confidence into the rest of the Australian swing of the tour – heading to her adopted home on the Gold Coast next for the return of the World Tour’s elite to the Glitter Strip.
Then it’s on to Western Australia and the Margaret River event, which Nichols won in 2022.
The Aussie domination didn’t stop there, with Nichols joined by Jack Robinson as a Bells champion.
Gold Coast-based Robinson won the men’s final with a tight victory over Japanese surfer Kanoa Igarashi (14.14 – 13.87).
Also a first-time winner at the event, Robinson said he drew inspiration ahead of the final by watching classic Bells showdowns involving Aussie greats Mick Fanning, Joel Parkinson and Taj Burrow.
“It hasn’t really sunk in … just enjoying it,” Robinson said when asked about winning the event and the joining the likes of those famous names.
“It’s been a special week. Got a win this year and now we’re ready to go.”
The competition window for the Gold Coast Pro begins May 3.
Originally published as Rip Curl Pro: Aussies Isabella Nichols and Jack Robinson win at Bells Beach
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