Surf lovers will have even more reason to visit one of Victoria’s most iconic locations, with the Allan Labor Government securing the Bells Beach Longboard Classic at the legendary break for another three years.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today announced that the event will return from September 17 to 21 next year as the second stop on the World Surf League Longboard Tour, showcasing the best longboarders from around the globe.
The event will see the best longboarders in the world chase glory from September 17 to 21 next year and will be the second stop on the World Surf League Longboard Tour.
Thanks to the Regional Events Fund, the Longboard Classic is now secured through to 2027, with the Government also supporting a Victorian wildcard entry in the men’s and women’s competitions – providing an invaluable opportunity for homegrown talent to surf their local break against the world’s best.
It adds to the annual Rip Curl Pro at Bells over Easter, which showcases the world’s best shortboard surfers and has also been secured by the Labor Government until at least 2028.
Support for the two events not only draws visitors to the region but also beams Victoria’s world-class surf breaks to a global audience – with visuals of Bells Beach, the Surf Coast region and the Great Ocean Road reaching millions around the world.
The Longboard Classic joins the Rip Curl Pro and the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race as events showcasing the region’s tourism appeal, thanks to support from the Labor Government.
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As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
“These events bring the world’s best surfers to Victoria, showcasing our extraordinary coastline to millions globally while driving tourism and economic benefits for the region.”
“By locking in the Longboard Classic and the Rip Curl Pro, we’re cementing Victoria as Australia’s premier destination for surfing events and giving local surfers a chance to shine on the global stage through the Victorian wildcard program.”
As stated by Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“The stunning Surf Coast isn’t just a global icon for its natural beauty – events like the Longboard Classic create local jobs and drive economic growth for our community.”
As stated by Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant
“Securing these events provides local surfers a fantastic opportunity to showcase their talent alongside the world’s best and draws more visitors to experience our breathtaking coastline and beaches.”
As stated by World Surf League APAC President Andrew Stark
“Bells Beach is such a fantastic wave to have on this World Longboard tour, so it’s excellent to have it locked in for years to come.”
“Seeing the Championship Tour here at Easter annually and then the WLT here later in the year is not only a testament to the versatility of the waves at Bells but of the fantastic support shown to surfing by the State.”
