Finals Day Called ON at Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl

Women’s Quarterfinals to Commence Saturday at 7:35 a.m. AEST (1135am Friday HI Time)
Men’s Quarterfinals to Follow at Bells Beach
Inaugural Event Winners to be Crowned Today
Watch LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com

Pictured: The iconic Bells Beach lineup has turned on for Finals Day of the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl. Credit: © WSL / Sloane

BELLS BEACH, Torquay, Victoria / Australia (Saturday, September 2, 2023) – Finals Day has been called ON at the inaugural Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic presented by Rip Curl, Stop No. 2 on the 2023 World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour. Women’s Quarterfinals are set to commence at 7:35 a.m. AEST with the Men’s Quarterfinals to follow. Long, clean lines of three-to-four foot swell are pouring in to set up what will no doubt be an incredible day of competition.

Two three-time World Longboard Champions will open each of the Women’s and Men’s Quarterfinals as Honolua Blomfield (HAW) takes on event standout Mason Schremmer (USA) and Taylor Jensen (USA) surfs against the energetic young Taka Inoue (JPN).

As the two runner-ups from the Huntington Beach Longboard Classic, Blomfield and Jensen are primed to take the rankings leads from the Hawaiian cousins Kelis Kaleopa’a and Kaniela Stewart, who were both eliminated in the Round of 16, and set themselves in a strong position in their quest to claim their fourth World Titles at the Original Sprout Malibu Longboard Classic Presented by Tractor Beverage Company.

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups:

HEAT 1: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) vs. Mason Schremmer (USA)
HEAT 2: Soleil Errico (USA) vs. Avalon Gall (USA)
HEAT 3: Natsumi Taoka (JPN) vs. Alice Lemoigne (FRA)
HEAT 4: Sophia Culhane (HAW) vs. Chloe Calmon (BRA)

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl Men’s Quarterfinal Matchups:

HEAT 1: Taylor Jensen (USA) vs. Taka Inoue (JPN)
HEAT 2: Tony Silvagni (USA) vs. Kai Sallas (HAW)
HEAT 3: Landen Smales (AUS) vs. Edouard Delpero (FRA)
HEAT 4: Declan Wyton (AUS) vs. Ben Skinner (GBR)

Watch LIVE: Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl

The Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic presented by Rip Curl holds a competition window from Wednesday, August 30, through Saturday, September 2, 2023. Once called on, the competition will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL’s YouTube channel, and the free WSL app.

The 2023 Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic presented by Rip Curl is proudly supported by Bioglan, Visit Victoria, Surf Coast Shire, GWM, and Rip Curl.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

EARLIER UPDATES BELOW

DAY3 Major Upsets and Tight Battles at Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl
Natsumi Taoka Continues Strong, Eliminates World Number One Kelis Kaleopa’a
16-Year-Old Wildcard Landen Smales Defeats Rankings Leader Kaniela Stewart
Delpero Continues to Rebuild Confidence
Tour Veterans Sallas and Skinner Reclaim Ground, Punch Through to Finals Day

Pictured: In May Landen Smales took out multiple divisions in the Australian Indigenous Surf Titles at Djarrak (Bells Beach) and today the 16-year-old wildcard eliminated world number one Kaniela Stewart in the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl Credit: © WSL / Sloane

BELLS BEACH, Torquay, Victoria / Australia (Friday, September 1, 2023) – The Round of 16 for both Men’s and Women’s divisions was completed today in windswept four-to-six-foot swell at the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl. The international field of World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour (LT) competitors proved why they are the best in the world, making impressive work of the less-than-ideal conditions.

On paper the draw appeared to include multiple evenly matched pairings, a feature that played out in reality, with many close battles providing exciting moments and thrilling victories. Each of the surfers are aware of the necessity of making Finals Day to keep in the top 8 and have a chance at winning the World Title at the Malibu Longboard Championships, making advancement in the Round of 16 crucial.

A surfer who never needs to worry about advancing to Finals Day is Honolua Blomfield (HAW), who has made at least Quarterfinals in every event since joining the LT, other than her first appearance in 2015. The three-time World Champion got straight to work in her matchup against Maya Glasenapp (FRA) and easily maintained the lead throughout.

A far more critical scenario played out in Heat 4, where Rachael Tilly (USA) and Avalon Gall (USA) went blow-for-blow, the Oceanside Longboard Surfing Club teammates pushing each other to deliver some of the highest scores of the round. The turning point in the heat came when Gall picked up a wave under Tilly’s priority and collected a 7.33 (out of a possible 10). With a backup of a 6.17, Gall was able to narrowly claim victory over the 2015 World Longboard Champion.

Natsumi Taoka (JPN) carried her form from day one straight into her match against rankings leader Kelis Kaleopa’a (HAW) to take the win and shake up the women’s field.

“I’m so happy to get the win,” Taoka said. “I’m so nervous before the heat, but I talked by myself and calm down and just do what I want to do. I missed a couple of big sets, but I can wait for the good ones, so I’m so stoked.”

Mason Schremmer (USA) was able to enter her matchup with Zoe Grospiron (FRA) with quite the opposite approach, keeping her feelings composed during a close heat that went her way.

“I felt really calm going into it,” Schremmer said. “I felt like I had a good idea of what I was going to do, which is just helpful to have, a settled mind, so that was really good. Zoe’s such a great surfer as well, she’s really hard to beat, so I’m glad to have gotten that one. My goal was to make finals day and hopefully go further than the equal 5th but I feel like I can just let go a bit and relax going into tomorrow, I’m excited.”

Chloe Calmon (BRA) was awarded the best numbers of the women’s division in the final heat of the day against Kaitlin Mikkelsen (USA). Earning a 7.50 (out of a possible 10) for three nose-rides across a huge outside section on a well-overhead wave, which was completed with style far down the beach, the Brazilian backed it up with a 6.17 and found the highest heat total, 13.67 (out of a possible 20).

Pictured: Critical speed management allowed Chloe Calmon to gracefully step to the nose multiple times on a huge section on this wave of the day. Credit: © WSL / Pierucki

16-Year-Old Wildcard Landen Smales Defeats Rankings Leader Kaniela Stewart

The two biggest upsets of the men’s draw now belong to Landen Smales (AUS). The 16-year-old wildcard sent current world number three Tony Silvagni (USA) to the Elimination Round on day one and today delivered a shocking upset by defeating LT rankings leader Kaniela Stewart (HAW) in Heat 5 of the men’s Round of 16.

Stewart took the lead early and held control for much of the heat, but a 6.00 (out of a possible 10) ride from Smales was the high mark of the match and the final third of the 30-minute heat belonged to the young Queenslander. The 2023 Open and U/18 Australian National Logger Champion is most certainly understated, but you couldn’t wipe the smile off his face after the dramatic victory.

“I’m so stoked to beat the current number one and surf good Bells,” Smales said. “It was kind of tricky out there but I got it done. I guess I was just trying to show the world what I can do and prove everyone wrong.”

Delpero Continues to Rebuild Confidence

One of the tightest battles of the men’s division belonged to Edouard Delpero (FRA) and Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHI), who traded 7-point rides and the lead. Delpero focused on long, early nose-rides, including utilising cheater-5’s to hold onto the nose as long as possible, while Esquievel relied on his tight footwork through the middle section of the Bells Bowl, combined with shorter nose rides and strong finishes.

Delpero was happy to walk away victorious and collect the highest heat total of the day along the way, 14.70 (out of a possible 20). The 2017 World Title runner-up is thankful to even be here after being sidelined for part of the 2022 season.

“I’m just trying to rebuild my surfing into contests because I had a super hard year in 2022 with a big injury and heavy things to manage besides surfing, so just trying to gain back my confidence,” Delpero said. “There is such a high level on this tour right now that you never know which heat can go you way or not and this one went my way. But that was a heavy one against JR (Esquievel).”

Pictured: No stranger to open ocean power, Hawaiian Kai Sallas utilised his full repertoire to defeat Richie Cravey. Credit: © WSL / Pierucki

Tour Veterans Sallas and Skinner Reclaim Ground, Punch Through to Finals Day

Round of 16 exits at the Huntington Beach Longboard Classic for both Kai Sallas (HAW) and Ben Skinner (GBR) left the LT stalwarts needing a result at Bells Beach to maintain their prospects of attending Malibu.

Sallas was gifted a rematch with Richie Cravey (USA), who deprived him of a position in Finals Day at Huntington Beach. Today however, the Hawaiian got the better of the Californian, the large open faces of the Bells Bowl playing right into the wheelhouse of the surfer from Oahu, who is no stranger to the heavy lineups of the North Shore.

“I felt like it was a super-close heat and I maybe could have jumped on some better waves in Huntington,” Sallas said. “Any time you get a chance to get a rematch you try to learn from the mistakes you made. I think in Huntington I didn’t really wait for the better waves and in this heat I was trying to catch the good ones and I felt like I did that.”

In the final heat of the round Skinner matched fellow veteran Cole Robbins (USA) for the first time since 2014. In yet another close heat, Robbins and Skinner traded the lead, with Skinner waiting on the sand to hear the score that guaranteed his progression.

“It felt good, it was a really tricky heat,” Skinner said. “It’s actually pretty hard work out there. It’s cleaned up a lot, the faces are nice and clean. Just got to be patient, try to pick the bigger ones that peel and sort of make that connection, but pretty stoked to make it.”

For more of today’s highlights, results and information from the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

The next call for competition will be tomorrow, Saturday, September 2, at 7:15am AEST for a potential 7:35am start.

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl Men’s Round of 16 Results:

HEAT 1: Taylor Jensen (USA) 14.33 DEF. Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS) 4.23
HEAT 2: Taka Inoue (JPN) 10.50 DEF. Kevin Skvarna (USA) 9.04
HEAT 3: Tony Silvagni (USA) 12.16 DEF. Kaimana Takayama (USA) 9.76
HEAT 4: Kai Sallas (HAW) 12.84 DEF. Richie Cravey (USA) 9.27
HEAT 5: Landen Smales (AUS) 12.03 DEF. Kaniela Stewart (HAW) 10.43
HEAT 6: Edouard Delpero (FRA) 14.70 DEF. Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) 14.17
HEAT 7: Declan Wyton (AUS) 14.10 DEF. Steven Sawyer (RSA) 10.87
HEAT 8: Ben Skinner (GBR) 14.13 DEF. Cole Robbins (USA) 11.27

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl Women’s Round of 16 Results:

HEAT 1: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) 13.17 DEF. Maya Glasenapp (REU) 6.16
HEAT 2: Mason Schremmer (USA) 10.20 DEF. Zoe Grospiron (FRA) 8.97
HEAT 3: Soleil Errico (USA) DEF. Keani Canullo (HAW)
HEAT 4: Avalon Gall (USA) 13.50 DEF. Rachael Tilly (USA) 13.27
HEAT 5: Natsumi Taoka (JPN) 10.77 DEF. Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) 10.17
HEAT 6: Alice Lemoigne (FRA) 9.04 DEF. Tully White (AUS) 8.50
HEAT 7: Sophia Culhane (HAW) 11.44 DEF. Kirra Molnar (AUS) 10.04
HEAT 8: Chloe Calmon (BRA) 13.67 DEF. Kaitlin Mikkelsen (USA) 9.60

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl Men’s Quarterfinal Matchups:

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups:

Watch LIVE: Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl

The Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic holds a competition window from Wednesday, August 30, through Saturday, September 2, 2023. Once called on, the competition will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, the WSL’s YouTube channel, and the free WSL app.

The 2023 Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic presented by Rip Curl is proudly supported by Bioglan, Visit Victoria, Surf Coast Shire, GWM, and Rip Curl.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

About the WSL
The World Surf League (WSL) is the global home of competitive surfing, crowning the World Champions since 1976 and showcasing the world’s best surfers on the world’s best waves. WSL is comprised of the Tours and Competition division, which oversees and operates more than 180 global competitions each year; Kelly Slater Wave Company (KSWC), home of the world’s largest high-performance, human-made wave; and WSL Studios, an independent producer of unscripted and scripted projects.

EARLIER UPDATES BELOW…

Day 3: Round of 16 Called ON at Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip CurlMen’s Round of 16 to Commence Friday at 7:35 a.m. AEST (1135am Thursday HI Time)
Women’s Round of 16 to Follow at Bells Beach
No Quarterfinals Today
Watch LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com

Pictured: Season standout Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS) will take on three-time World Longboard Champion Taylor Jensen (USA) in the first heat of the morning . Credit: © WSL / Pierucki

BELLS BEACH, Torquay, Victoria / Australia (Friday, September 1, 2023) – Day 3 of competition has been called ON at the inaugural Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic presented by Rip Curl, Stop No. 2 on the 2023 World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour. Men’s Round of 16 is set to commence at 7:35 a.m. AEST with the Women’s Round of 16 to follow. Strong onshores and a fresh four-to-six foot swell will provide challenging conditions for the world’s best longboarders this morning, though the weather is expected to calm as the day progresses.

Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS) has been producing some of the most dynamic surfing of the season and fireworks will no doubt fly when he takes on three-time World Longboard Champion Taylor Jensen (USA) in the opening heat of the day.

The highest single wave score of the event belongs to Natsumi Taoka (JPN) and the Japanese veteran will likely need that arsenal when she takes on current rankings leader Kelis Kaleopa’a (HAW) in Heat 5 of the women’s Round of 16.

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl Men’s Round of 16 Matchups:

HEAT 1: Taylor Jensen (USA) vs. Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS)
HEAT 2: Taka Inoue (JPN) vs. Kevin Skvarna (USA)
HEAT 3: Tony Silvagni (USA) vs. Kaimana Takayama (USA)
HEAT 4: Kai Sallas (HAW) vs. Richie Cravey (USA)
HEAT 5: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) vs. Landen Smales (AUS)
HEAT 6: Edouard Delpero (FRA) vs. Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL)
HEAT 7: Declan Wyton (AUS) vs. Steven Sawyer (RSA)
HEAT 8: Ben Skinner (GBR) vs. Cole Robbins (USA)

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl Women’s Round of 16 Matchups:

HEAT 1: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) vs. Maya Glasenapp (REU)
HEAT 2: Mason Schremmer (USA) vs. Zoe Grospiron (FRA)
HEAT 3: Soleil Errico (USA) vs. Keani Canullo (HAW)
HEAT 4: Rachael Tilly (USA) vs. Avalon Gall (USA)
HEAT 5: Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) vs. Natsumi Taoka (JPN)
HEAT 6: Alice Lemoigne (FRA) vs. Tully White (AUS)
HEAT 7: Sophia Culhane (HAW) vs. Kirra Molnar (AUS)
HEAT 8: Chloe Calmon (BRA) vs. Kaitlin Mikkelsen (USA)

Watch LIVE: Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl

The 2023 Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic presented by Rip Curl is proudly supported by Bioglan, Visit Victoria, Surf Coast Shire, GWM, and Rip Curl.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

EARLIER UPDATES BELOW…

Eliminations Begin in Picture-Perfect Conditions at Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl
A Fired-Up Tony Silvagni Launches Himself Back into Contention
Extended Tip Time Gives Avalon Gall the Edge
Maya Glasenapp Seeks to Enjoy Every Moment of Rookie Season

Pictured: Australia’s Tully White making the most of the Bells Beach lineup, which turned on for day two of the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl Credit: © WSL / Pierucki

BELLS BEACH, Torquay, Victoria / Australia (Thursday, August 31, 2023) – Beautiful, clean two-to-three foot lines of swell greeted competitors for the second day of competition of the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl. The conditions delivered the ideal canvas for the world’s best longboarders to exhibit their style as the Elimination Rounds for both Men’s and Women’s divisions were completed.

Today’s draw showcased the freshness of the 2023 World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour (LT), with all 16 heats, 8 women’s and 8 men’s, featuring first-time LT matchups, many including veterans and rookies going head-to-head. For the second day running experience paid off however, with the long-time tour competitors winning the majority of the matchups.

Standout performances came from Tony Silvagni (USA), Chloe Calmon (BRA), Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHI), Avalon Gall (USA), Richie Cravey (USA) and Tully White (AUS).

Silvagni came out firing in the first heat of the men’s Elimination Round, venting his frustrations of being the only top-seeded surfer to lose his Opening Round heat by claiming the highest heat total of the event so far, 15.33 (out of a possible 20).

“I’m just so happy to make it through that heat,” Silvagni said. “I dusted off the cobwebs last night, went for a freesurf after I lost in my first heat. I knew that I could do it, I just stayed strong. This is an incredible, iconic break that we’re just so lucky to be surfing at.”

Another surfer who was feeling the pressure of the Elimination Round was Huntington Beach Longboard Classic semifinalist Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHI). Despite it being his rookie season, Esquievel’s arrival on tour has already shaken things up and expectation is high for another decent result here in Australia, though adapting to the cold is proving to be a challenge for the Filipino.

“It feels different here because the weather is more colder and the water is so freezing, especially for me because I’m from Philippines, it’s hot there,” Esquievel said. “I was just putting what I can do, just do some nose-rides at the beginning and put everything on the middle section because there’s more cleaner section right there. It’s so nice to see some Filipinos here. They are supporting and they are so proud of me. It was really nice for me and it feels more comfortable.”

While many heats today were cut and dry, some dramatic moments defined the women’s Elimination Round. Crystal Hulett (RSA) kept Zoe Grospiron (FRA) on her toes in Heat 7 before Grospiron found a score in the final moments. A last second interference then deprived Hulett of her lowest scoring wave, which proved to be an emotional turnaround for the South African. It also came down to the wire for Keani Canullo (HAW) who lost control of Heat 6 against Luana Soares (BRA) in the dying seconds, before then reclaiming the win with a buzzer beater.

Pictured: The exquisite footwork of Avalon Gall (USA) provided her with the best numbers of the women’s division so far. Credit: © WSL / Sloane

Extended Tip Time Gives Avalon Gall the Edge

Avalon Gall (USA) claimed the day’s first excellent score, an 8.17 (out of a possible 10) for an extended hang-ten combined with multiple long hang-five’s and stunning footwork.

Competing in her sixth season on tour, Gall has had plenty of experience since her first appearance on the LT in 2018 at the age of 15. A new approach is lightening the load for the 20-year-old, who found the highest heat total of the women’s division so far, 14.84 (out of a possible 20), to progress ahead of Roisin Carolan (AUS) in Elimination Round Heat 4.

“I’m just trying to have more fun with it and not take everything so seriously,” Gall said. “Honestly I’m having a way better time and I feel like I’m surfing better because of it. I got to surf out here when it was bigger, before the event started and it was insane just being here and being able to surf pumping Bells. And now that the wind is not as bad as yesterday it’s still super fun and, like, perfect logging waves.”

Maya Glasenapp Seeks to Enjoy Every Moment of Rookie Season

It was a slow, tense heat that provided Maya Glasenapp of Reunion Island with her first LT heat win. Tour veteran Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER) held the highest wave score of the exchange but was unable to find a backup, and Glasenapp’s classic style shone through with clean footwork and critical nose-rides on each of her waves. The rookie has been enjoying every minute of her experience on tour.

“It’s really, really nice,” Glasenapp said. “I’ve never done such a big competition outside of France, this is the first time. So I’m really happy and excited and just taking everything I can take out of it.”

For more of today’s highlights, results and information from the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

The next call for competition will be tomorrow, Friday, September 1, at 7:15am AEST for a potential 7:35am start.

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl Women’s Elimination Round Results:

HEAT 1: Sophia Culhane (HAW) 12.76 DEF. Kaede Inoue (JPN) 7.84
HEAT 2: Maya Glasenapp (REU) 7.50 DEF. Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER) 6.87
HEAT 3: Chloe Calmon (BRA) 13.67 DEF. Lucy Small (AUS) 8.67
HEAT 4: Avalon Gall (USA) 14.84 DEF. Roisin Carolan (AUS) 9.86
HEAT 5: Tully White (AUS) 13.73 DEF. Molly Powell (AUS) 5.43
HEAT 6: Keani Canullo (HAW) 10.40 DEF. Luana Soares (BRA) 10.07
HEAT 7: Zoe Grospiron (FRA) 9.57 DEF. Crystal Hulett (RSA) 5.50
HEAT 8: Kirra Molnar (AUS) 10.87 DEF. Liv Stokes (CAN) 10.53

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl Men’s Elimination Round Results:

HEAT 1: Tony Silvagni (USA) 15.33 DEF. Jack Tyro (NZL) 10.00
HEAT 2: Cole Robbins (USA) 13.00 DEF. Chase Lieder (USA) 10.87
HEAT 3: Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) 13.17 DEF. Samuel Dunton (AUS) 10.23
HEAT 4: Steven Sawyer (RSA) 12.17 DEF. Nicolás Andrade (ESP) 7.67
HEAT 5: Kevin Skvarna (USA) 9.17 DEF. Matias Maturano (PER) 8.90
HEAT 6: Kaimana Takayama (USA) 11.20 DEF. Max Weston (AUS) 10.73
HEAT 7: Richie Cravey (USA) 13.17 DEF. Ben Considine (AUS) 10.84
HEAT 8: Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS) 11.66 DEF. John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) 10.50

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl Women’s Round of 16 Matchups:

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl Men’s Round of 16 Matchups:

Watch LIVE: Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl

The 2023 Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic presented by Rip Curl is proudly supported by Bioglan, Visit Victoria, Surf Coast Shire, GWM, and Rip Curl.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

EARLIER UPDATE BELOW

Elimination Rounds Called ON at Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl
Women’s Elimination Round to Commence at 7:35 a.m. AEST (1135am Wednesday in Hawaii)
Men’s Elimination Round to Follow at Bells Beach
No Round of 16 Today
Day one high lites below
Watch LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com

Pictured: Sophia Culhane (HAW) will be seeking to keep her World Title dreams alive in the first heat of the women’s Elimination Round at the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic pres. by Rip Curl today. Credit: © WSL / Sloane

BELLS BEACH, Torquay, Victoria / Australia (Thursday, August 31, 2023) – Day 2 of competition has been called ON at the inaugural Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic presented by Rip Curl, Stop No. 2 on the 2023 World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour. Women’s Elimination Round is set to commence at 7:35 a.m. AEST with the Men’s Elimination Round to follow. Bells Beach is providing clean surf in the two-to-three foot range, allowing for clean lines and classic traditional longboarding. There will be no Round of 16 today.

In the opening heat of the day 17-year-old Sophia Culhane (HAW) will be aiming to keep her dreams of becoming the youngest World Longboard Champion alive when she takes on wildcard Kaede Inoue (JPN).The second heat of the men’s will offer up a classic West Coast vs. East Coast, regular vs. goofyfoot battle between veteran Cole Robbins (USA) of California and rookie New Yorker Chase Lieder (USA).

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl Women’s Elimination Round Matchups:

HEAT 1: Sophia Culhane (HAW) vs. Kaede Inoue (JPN)
HEAT 2: Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER) vs. Maya Glasenapp (REU)
HEAT 3: Chloe Calmon (BRA) vs. Lucy Small (AUS)
HEAT 4: Avalon Gall (USA) vs. Roisin Carolan (AUS)
HEAT 5: Tully White (AUS) vs. Molly Powell (AUS)
HEAT 6: Luana Soares (BRA) vs. Keani Canullo (HAW)
HEAT 7: Zoe Grospiron (FRA) vs. Crystal Hulett (RSA)
HEAT 8: Kirra Molnar (AUS) vs. Liv Stokes (CAN)

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl Men’s Elimination Round Matchups:

HEAT 1: Tony Silvagni (USA) vs. Jack Tyro (NZL)
HEAT 2: Cole Robbins (USA) vs. Chase Lieder (USA)
HEAT 3: Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) vs. Samuel Dunton (AUS)
HEAT 4: Steven Sawyer (RSA) vs. Nicolás Andrade (ESP)
HEAT 5: Kevin Skvarna (USA) vs. Matias Maturano (PER)
HEAT 6: Kaimana Takayama (USA) vs. Max Weston (AUS)
HEAT 7: Richie Cravey (USA) vs. Ben Considine (AUS)
HEAT 8: John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) vs. Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS)

Watch LIVE: Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl

The 2023 Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic presented by Rip Curl is proudly supported by Bioglan, Visit Victoria, Surf Coast Shire, GWM, and Rip Curl.

UPDATE FROM DAY 1 BELOW
Familiar Names Stake Their Ground in Opening Rounds of the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl
Japan’s Natsumi Taoka Styles Her Way Back Into Form
Three-time World Longboard Champion Taylor Jensen Opens With Excellence
Wildcard Landen Smales Punctures Top Seed Clean Sweep, Claims First LT Heat Win
Day One Opens With Welcome to Country on the Sands of Djarrak

Pictured: Natsumi Taoka (JPN) lighting up the iconic Bells Beach landscape. Credit: © WSL / Pierucki

BELLS BEACH, Torquay, Victoria / Australia (Wednesday, August 30, 2023) – The 2023 World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour (LT) season resumed today with the opening day of competition for the inaugural Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl. The Opening Rounds for both Men’s and Women’s divisions were completed in wind-affected two-to-three foot swell that allowed for many standout moments.

Big names dominated the men’s Opening Round, with seasoned competitors Declan Wyton (AUS), Taylor Jensen (USA), Kaniela Stewart (HAW), Ben Skinner (GBR), Kai Sallas (HAW), Taka Inoue (JPN) and Edouard Delpero (FRA) each claiming wins.

The women’s Opening Round followed a similar trajectory with familiar names taking wins in each heat, including each of the three World Longboard Champions in the draw, Soleil Errico (USA), Honolua Blomfield (HAW) and Rachael Tilly (USA), and it was Tilly who found the highest heat total of the day for the women.

“I’m actually feeling really confident with this event,” Tilly said. “I feel like these are my type of waves to excel in and so I’ve just been trying to lend that confidence within to just go out there and not necessarily think too much about what other people are doing or what other people can do. With an opening, non-elimination round I just wanted to go out and have fun and surf relaxed.”

Pictured: 2015 WSL Longboard Champion Rachael Tilly (USA) set the standard for the women’s field on day one of competition. Credit: © WSL / Sloane

Japan’s Natsumi Taoka Styles Her Way Back Into Form

The highest single wave score of the day went to Natsumi Taoka (JPN), who was able to find an impressive 8.33 (out of a possible 10). In a heat filled with some of the most challenging conditions of the day, the veteran competitor was able to find a diamond in the rough, connecting multiple stylish nose-rides with a big finish right on the sand.

While Taoka (JPN) was able to collect event wins in both of the Asia Regional Longboard Qualifying Series contests this season, she hadn’t won a LT heat since the 2022 Vans Duct Tape Invitational.

“This year in Huntington I was so disappointed in my result, I finished 17th, so I’m learning from my loss,” Taoka said. “This time I just tried to find the really good waves and then I got a really good one. I feel a bit lucky. I checked the waves and there was not so many good waves there, but I waited and then find a good wave is good for me.”

Three-time World Longboard Champion Taylor Jensen Opens With Excellence

A runner-up finish at the Huntington Beach Longboard Classic has kicked off the best start to a season for three-time World Longboard Champion Taylor Jensen (USA) since his last World Title win in 2017. That form continued today in his Opening Round heat where he found the first excellent score of the event, an 8.00 (out of a possible 10), the highest single wave score of the men’s division. Jensen expertly navigated one of the biggest waves of the day with clean footwork and strong rail turns combined with multiple critical nose-rides.

The possibility of a fourth World Title to equal the current record set by his father-in-law Nat Young, who collected three Bells Beach titles in his career, is very much on the 39-year-old’s mind.

“I mean it’s a pretty huge opportunity,” Jensen said. “Not many guys have ever even stood there and been able to approach it. I accept that challenge, I’ll put everything into it, you know, it’d be a hell of a way to cap things off and do something that hasn’t been done since I’ve been competing. I’ve watched Colin (McPhillips) get three, I’ve watched Joel (Tudor) get three. That would be pretty special to get four and move out of that pack.”

Wildcard Landen Smales Punctures Top Seed Clean Sweep, Claims First LT Heat Win

Landen Smales (AUS) used the knowledge that took him to multiple division wins at the 2023 Australian Indigenous Surf Titles, also held at Bells Beach, to take the win in Opening Round Heat 2 over seasoned LT competitors Tony Silvagni (USA) and Kaimana Takayama (USA).

Smales was the only competitor in the men’s Opening Round to take a heat win over the top seeds. The 16-year-old wildcard surfed an intelligent heat, catching just two waves to best the veterans.

“It feels so good,” Smales said. “I’m so stoked to take the win. I love being here and connecting with all the spirits.”

Pictured: The world’s best longboarders experiencing a traditional Welcome to Country from the Wadawurrung People. Credit: © WSL / Pierucki

Day One Opens With Welcome to Country on the Sands of Djarrak

Bells Beach is a place of cultural significance to the Wadawurrung People, traditionally known as Djarrak. To honor and respect the local community, the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl began with a traditional Welcome to Country, which was attended by the WSL athletes, staff and fans ahead of the beginning of the event.

For more of today’s highlights, results and information from the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

The next call for competition will be tomorrow, Thursday August 31, at 7:15am AEST for a potential 7:35am start.

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl Men’s Opening Round Results:

HEAT 1: Declan Wyton (AUS) 11.50 DEF. Matias Maturano (PER) 11.37, Steven Sawyer (RSA) 8.00
HEAT 2: Landen Smales (AUS) 10.27 DEF. Tony Silvagni (USA) 9.30, Kaimana Takayama (USA) 6.03
HEAT 3: Taylor Jensen (USA) 14.33 DEF. John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) 6.50, Samuel Dunton (AUS) 5.50
HEAT 4: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) 13.06 DEF. Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS) 12.06, Jack Tyro (NZL) 7.10
HEAT 5: Ben Skinner (GBR) 11.54 DEF. Cole Robbins (USA) 10.80, Ben Considine (AUS) 10.07
HEAT 6: Kai Sallas (HAW) 12.17 DEF. Chase Lieder (USA) 7.70, Richie Cravey (USA) 7.16
HEAT 7: Taka Inoue (JPN) 9.24 DEF. Kevin Skvarna (USA) 7.70, Nicolás Andrade (ESP) 4.23
HEAT 8: Edouard Delpero (FRA) 11.57 DEF. Max Weston (AUS) 11.26, Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) 9.00

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl Women’s Opening Round Results:

HEAT 1: Kaitlin Mikkelsen (USA) 11.40 DEF. Sophia Culhane (HAW) 11.03, Crystal Hulett (RSA) 7.97
HEAT 2: Soleil Errico (USA) 11.17 DEF. Luana Soares (BRA) 9.77, Molly Powell (AUS) 4.43
HEAT 3: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) 11.60 DEF. Lucy Small (AUS) 7.13, Kirra Molnar (AUS) 6.53
HEAT 4: Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) 10.47 DEF. Kaede Inoue (JPN) 9.07, Liv Stokes (CAN) 8.20
HEAT 5: Natsumi Taoka (JPN) 13.26 DEF. Chloe Calmon (BRA) 9.97, Avalon Gall (USA) 8.84
HEAT 6: Rachael Tilly (USA) 13.34 DEF. Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER) 8.77, Maya Glasenapp (REU) 5.37
HEAT 7: Mason Schremmer (USA) 10.40 DEF. Zoe Grospiron (FRA) 9.87, Roisin Carolan (AUS) 6.33
HEAT 8: Alice Lemoigne (FRA) 12.17 DEF. Keani Canullo (HAW) 8.50, Tully White (AUS) 8.40

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl Men’s Elimination Round Matchups:

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl Women’s Elimination Round Matchups:

Watch LIVE: Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl

The 2023 Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic presented by Rip Curl is proudly supported by Bioglan, Visit Victoria, Surf Coast Shire, GWM, and Rip Curl.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

EARLIER UPDATES BELOW

Opening Rounds Called ON at Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip CurlMen’s
Opening Round to Commence at 7:35 a.m. Wednesday AEST (20 hours ahead of HI time…so 1135am Tuesday)
Women’s Opening Round to Follow at Bells Beach
No Elimination Round Today

Pictured: Reigning two-time WSL Longboard World Champion Soleil Errico (USA) will hit the water in Heat 2 of the women’s Opening Round at the Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic pres. by Rip Curl today. Credit: © WSL / Morris

BELLS BEACH, Torquay, Victoria / Australia (Wednesday, August 30, 2023) – Day 1 of competition has been called ON at the inaugural Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic presented by Rip Curl, Stop No. 2 on the 2023 World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour. Men’s Opening Round is set to commence at 7:35 a.m. AEST with the women’s Opening Round to follow. Bells Beach is offering up bumpy surf in the two-to-three foot range, which should make for an exciting day of competition. There will be no Elimination Round today.

The opening heat of the day will see up and comers Declan Wyton (AUS) and Matias Maturano (PER) take on former World Longboard Champion Steven Sawyer (RSA), who will be looking to channel his home break of J-Bay on the long, cold water walls of Bells Beach.

The second heat of the women’s will be one to watch as reigning two-time World Longboard Champion Soleil Errico (USA) takes on Luana Soares (BRA) and Molly Powell (AUS), who are competing for the first year on the WSL Longboard Tour.

Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl Men’s Opening Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Declan Wyton (AUS) vs. Steven Sawyer (RSA) vs. Matias Maturano (PER)
HEAT 2: Tony Silvagni (USA) vs. Kaimana Takayama (USA) vs. Landen Smales (AUS)
HEAT 3: Taylor Jensen (USA) vs. John Michael Van Hohenstein (HAW) vs. Samuel Dunton (AUS)
HEAT 4: Kaniela Stewart (HAW) vs. Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS) vs. Jack Tyro (NZL)
HEAT 5: Ben Skinner (GBR) vs. Cole Robbins (USA) vs. Ben Considine (AUS)
HEAT 6: Kai Sallas (HAW) vs. Richie Cravey (USA) vs. Chase Lieder (USA)
HEAT 7: Taka Inoue (JPN) vs. Kevin Skvarna (USA) vs. Nicolás Andrade (ESP)
HEAT 8: Edouard Delpero (FRA) vs. Rogelio Jr Esquievel (PHL) vs. Max Weston (AUS)Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl Women’s Opening Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Sophia Culhane (HAW) vs. Kaitlin Mikkelsen (USA) vs. Crystal Hulett (RSA)
HEAT 2: Soleil Errico (USA) vs. Luana Soares (BRA) vs. Molly Powell (AUS)
HEAT 3: Honolua Blomfield (HAW) vs. Kirra Molnar (AUS) vs. Lucy Small (AUS)
HEAT 4: Kelis Kaleopaa (HAW) vs. Liv Stokes (CAN) vs. Kaede Inoue (JPN)
HEAT 5: Chloe Calmon (BRA) vs. Avalon Gall (USA) vs. Natsumi Taoka (JPN)
HEAT 6: Rachael Tilly (USA) vs. Maria Fernanda Reyes (PER) vs. Maya Glasenapp (REU)
HEAT 7: Mason Schremmer (USA) vs. Zoe Grospiron (FRA) vs. Roisin Carolan (AUS)
HEAT 8: Alice Lemoigne (FRA) vs. Tully White (AUS) vs. Keani Canullo (HAW)

Watch LIVE: Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl

The 2023 Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic presented by Rip Curl is proudly supported by Bioglan, Visit Victoria, Surf Coast Shire, GWM, and Rip Curl.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Stage Set for Inaugural Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl
Event to Run From Wednesday August 30 to Saturday September 2
World’s Best Longboarders Get Their First Look at Bells Beach
Hawaiian Cousins Kelis Kaleopa’a and Kaniela Stewart Look to Keep Rankings Leads
Ben Considine Leads Local Charge – Lucy Small and Jack Tyro Win Trials Event

Front page: Competitors have arrived in Victoria ahead of the inaugural Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic pres. by Rip Curl [Left-Right] Chloe Calmon (BRA), Ben Considine (AUS), Kaniela Stewart (HAW) and Kelis Kaleopa’a (HAW) at Bells Beach this morning. Credit: © WSL / Hughes

BELLS BEACH, Torquay, Victoria / Australia (Tuesday, August 29, 2023) – The best Longboard surfers on the planet have arrived in Victoria ahead of the inaugural Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic presented by Rip Curl, Stop No. 2 on the 2023 World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour.

The iconic walls of Bells Beach have played host to surf history for over 60 years, and that continues in 2023 with the arrival of 45 of the biggest names in Longboarding, including World Champions Honolua Blomfield (HAW), Taylor Jensen (USA), Soleil Errico (USA), Steven Sawyer (RSA) and Rachael Tilly (USA).

World’s Best Longboarders Get Their First Look at Bells Beach Many of the competitors were thrilled to capture their first-ever glimpse of the famed Bells Beach lineup this week, including Brazil’s Chloe Calmon (BRA).

“It’s funny because I’ve been on tour for 14 years, but this year feels so exciting with new venues on tour like Bells and El Salvador,” Calmon said. “We have a lot of new names on tour, a lot of good talent coming up from the younger generation. So it just feels exciting coming to different locations.”

After multiple previous runner-up finishes, Calmon has fresh energy in her aim for the elusive World Title. “I’ve never felt so motivated to chase the title,” Calmon continued. “I got a fifth in the US Open, and I’m really, really excited to put the jersey back on here at Bells.”

Hawaiian Cousins Kelis Kaleopa’a and Kaniela Stewart Look to Keep Rankings Leads

Fresh off wins at the recent Huntington Beach Longboard Classic, Hawaiian cousins Kelis Kaleopa’a and Kaniela Stewart hope to maintain their hold on the rankings with successful showings at Bells Beach.

“It’s pretty iconic,” Kaleopa’a said. “You grow up watching the shortboarders here almost every year surfing at an insane level, and I feel like to have a Longboard Championship Tour event here is just as special, you know. I think everybody is just so stoked to be able to be here.”

Stewart’s arrival last week lined up with an incredible swell, allowing for some amazing warm-up sessions.

“Bells is definitely a world-class wave, so to have a longboard event here is super awesome,” Stewart said. “Personally, I love it, it’s so much fun. It’s like surfing the North Shore. It’s got some punch; it’s got some power to it. I definitely like it a lot.”

Pictured: Current World No.1s Kaniela Stewart (HAW) and Kelis Kaleopa’a (HAW) will look for another big result at Bells Beach this week. Credit: © WSL / Nolan

Ben Considine Leads Local Charge at Bells

Local Ben Considine (AUS) can’t wait to chase down his first big result on home turf. The 26-year-old has been competing on the Longboard Tour since 2017 and is stoked to welcome his fellow competitors to his part of the world.

“I’ve grown up surfing around here, and the point breaks in between, and I definitely like my chances out there just because I do know the wave so well,’ Considine said. “That being said, this past couple of weeks, everyone has been shredding. I know I’m going to have to really step it up a notch in order to make sure that I can progress my way through the rounds.”

Lucy Small, Kaede Inoue and Jack Tyro Gain Entry Through Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic pres. By Rip Curl Trials

The Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic presented by Rip Curl Trials were held today in clean two-to-three-foot waves at Torquay Point, with a large field of both national and international competitors battling it out for a place in the main event.

Veteran Western Australia competitor Lucy Small (AUS) claimed the women’s event, while 16-year-old Jack Tyro (NZL) of Christchurch, New Zealand won the men’s. Due to the withdrawal of Haley Otto (HAW), women’s runner-up Kaede Inoue (JPN) will join Small in the main event.

Pictured: Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard, Classic pres. by Rip Curl Trials competitors Kaede Inoue (JPN), Lucy Small (AUS) and Jack Tyro (NZL), have all earned spots in the main event. Credit: © WSL / Sloane

Watch LIVE: Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic Presented by Rip Curl

The 2023 Bioglan Bells Beach Longboard Classic presented by Rip Curl is proudly supported by Bioglan, Visit Victoria, Surf Coast Shire, GWM, and Rip Curl.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.