Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach wipeout to hit Surf Coast economy for up to $8 million

The loss of the Rip Curl Pro from its annual Easter timeslot at Bells Beach is set to wipe out about $8 million from the Surf Coast economy. Here’s why it won’t go ahead as usual in 2021.

The loss of the Rip Curl Pro from its annual Easter timeslot at Bells Beach is set to wipe out about $8 million from the Surf Coast economy.

The World Surf League (WSL) on Saturday announced an Easter competition would be held in Newcastle, NSW from April 1-11, replacing the previously scheduled Bells Beach event.

But the League made no comment about the future of a 2021 event at Bells Beach, where an event was held every year since its 1961 launch until the 2020 competition was cancelled due to COVID-19.

The 2019 Rip Curl Pro Surfing at Bells Beach Victoria. Australia's Stephanie Gilmore enters the water. Picture: Alex Coppel

“The WSL is currently working with Australia’s state governments to finalise the final three Australian Championship Tour (CT) events and will release the updated schedule as soon as possible,” a WSL statement said.

“The Australian CT events will run based on state border closures, strictly adhering to federal and state government guidelines and restrictions.”

It seems likely the league will return to Bells in 2022, rather than schedule an event there later this year.

“We love Bells Beach, we have every intention that we’ll be back at Easter at Bells next year,” WSL general manager Andrew Stark said.

“That event is dear to the hearts of the World Surf League and our athletes.”

But the State Government said talks were ongoing about an event this year.

Bells Beach Rip Curl Pro 2019. Picture: Peter Ristevski

“We are working with the World Surf League on plans for the Rip Curl Pro 2021 and for future years and will have more to say in due course,” the spokesperson said.

Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson claimed the Easter timeslot was handed to NSW “because the Victorian Government would not agree to permit 120 international competitors and support staff to enter Victoria on a charter flight”.

“It really is hard to believe that Victorian Labor has so seriously failed Victorians. This loss of this major tourism and sporting event is an international embarrassment and will cause around $10 million of economic damage to our region,” she claimed.

A state government spokesperson confirmed the WSL had not been guaranteed places in hotel quarantine for international surfers, citing the need to prioritise returning Australians.

“Given the stated priority of accommodating returning Australians, we were unable to provide the World Surf League with a guarantee regarding quarantine places for international surfers within the time frame required by them,” they said.

“We continue to work with the World Surf League on plans for the Rip Curl Pro and will have more to say in due course.”

Surf Coast Shire Mayor Libby Stapleton said council estimated the event pumped about $8 million into the local economy annually, attracting up to 40,000 visitors to the coast.

“We’re disappointed that Bells isn’t able to kick off the WSL’s tour of Australia this year, but we also understand the situation,” Cr Stapleton said.

Owen Wright of Australia surfs during the heats of the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach, on April 26, 2019. (Photo by William WEST / AFP)

“I think everyone understands now that we’re living in different times and we have to be a bit more flexible in how we do things.”

“Certainly Bells is significant in its economic contribution to the local community.

“I guess the other way of looking at it is if we get our usual visitation to the coast over Easter, which is significant, we’ll still have that economic input, and there may be a bonus if there’s a Bells comp later in the year. Potentially we’re looking at a secondary boost.”

The WSL on Sunday did not respond to the Geelong Advertiser’s request for details on the future of the 2021 Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach.

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Originally published as Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach wipeout to hit Surf Coast economy for up to $8 million