The 2019 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach was the first of many events in 2019 blessed with pumping waves, but it was also the stage for epic comebacks, standout performances and even a close call or two.
As we celebrate one of surfing's most hallowed venues this week, we're taking a look back at last year's event. It may be fresh in many a memory, but it's also seared into history as one of the all-time runs at a location which has played host to some of surfing's biggest moments.
John John Florence Returned From Injury
John John Florence won the event in a final with Filipe Toledo, after coming back from a knee injury sustained in Bali which had prematurely ended his 2018 season. He came to Torquay and dominated with a sharp, authoritative rail game which reminded fans of his virtuosity.
After an injury plagued 2018 season, John is back to claim his first spot on the Bells Beach stairs after taking down Toledo in the Final.
Conlogue's Perfect Ride
Courtney Conlogue also came back from injury, put on a rail-surfing masterclass and took out the event. Perhaps the highlight of the entire contest was her perfect ride, which became one of the best-surfed waves of the entire year.
Looking back on 2019's perfect scores, and a journey to Papua New Guinea with a new season of Brilliant Corners from WSL Studios.
Italo's Close Call
Meanwhile, Italo Ferreira would go on to win his maiden World Title in 2019. But along the way, he had to deal with a tricky situation when he was washed around Winkipop. He'd been taken out by massive shorebreak during the Quarterfinals, and was washed over the infamous button.
Italo Ferreira is taken out by massive shorebreak during the Quarterfinals and washed over the Winkipop button.
The GOAT On A Simon Anderson
The best surfer to ever do it (and 4x Bells champion) Kelly Slater took on pumping Bells on a Simon Anderson board, 39 years after Simon Anderson himself rode his thruster to victory at the 1981 event, starting a revolution in the process.
Kelly Slater - WSL / Kelly Cestari
It Was Big
Last, but not least, it pumped. The event was treated to one of the largest swells it had seen in twenty years, care of a series of Southern Ocean storms. This showcased Bells in its raw, rugged beauty. It was challenging, and even downright intimidating, but the world's best put on an epic show.
Firing conditions at the Bells Bowl set the stage for Conlogue's third Bells trophy and Florence's first.
Five Reasons Why 2019 Was An Epic Year At Bells
Ben Collins
The 2019 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach was the first of many events in 2019 blessed with pumping waves, but it was also the stage for epic comebacks, standout performances and even a close call or two.
As we celebrate one of surfing's most hallowed venues this week, we're taking a look back at last year's event. It may be fresh in many a memory, but it's also seared into history as one of the all-time runs at a location which has played host to some of surfing's biggest moments.
John John Florence Returned From Injury
John John Florence won the event in a final with Filipe Toledo, after coming back from a knee injury sustained in Bali which had prematurely ended his 2018 season. He came to Torquay and dominated with a sharp, authoritative rail game which reminded fans of his virtuosity.
Conlogue's Perfect Ride
Courtney Conlogue also came back from injury, put on a rail-surfing masterclass and took out the event. Perhaps the highlight of the entire contest was her perfect ride, which became one of the best-surfed waves of the entire year.
Italo's Close Call
Meanwhile, Italo Ferreira would go on to win his maiden World Title in 2019. But along the way, he had to deal with a tricky situation when he was washed around Winkipop. He'd been taken out by massive shorebreak during the Quarterfinals, and was washed over the infamous button.
The GOAT On A Simon Anderson
The best surfer to ever do it (and 4x Bells champion) Kelly Slater took on pumping Bells on a Simon Anderson board, 39 years after Simon Anderson himself rode his thruster to victory at the 1981 event, starting a revolution in the process.
It Was Big
Last, but not least, it pumped. The event was treated to one of the largest swells it had seen in twenty years, care of a series of Southern Ocean storms. This showcased Bells in its raw, rugged beauty. It was challenging, and even downright intimidating, but the world's best put on an epic show.
John John Florence
Former two-time event victor and 2x World Champ John John Florence adds 47th and 48th excellent wave score to his account at Margaret
In dramatic fashion, 2x World Champ John John Florence overtook 3x World Champion Gabriel Medina with a buzzer-beater to advance into the
One of Main Break's superstars, John John Florence showcased his incredible form once again - this time blasting a 17.13 heat total over
Featuring Gabriel Medina, John John Florence, Liam O'Brien, Yago Dora, Italo Ferreira, Carissa Moore, Griffin Colapinto, Tatiana
Watch the Opening Round Heat of Kelly Slater, John John Florence, and Seth Moniz.
Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach
Relive every single 9-point ride surfed at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach presented by Bonsoy since 2019. Featuring Gabriel Medina, John John
With the window to the Rip Curl Bells Beach starting April 10th, take a look back at the last Bell's Beach winner, John John Florence.
Bells Beach, Act 6
Despite suffering injuries in 2018, Courtney Conlogue and John John Florence are the 2019 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Champions.
Bells Beach, Act 5
The men's and women's Semifinals wrap up in textbook Bells conditions as surfers prepare for Finals Day.
Bells Beach, Act 4
With swell building and eliminations underway, Kelly Slater has his eyes set on a potential 5th Bells Trophy.