Rookies lay into opening day, wildcard sparks begin at Bells Beach I Stone & Wood Post Show Day 1

50 years of World Tour Surfing is underway with the 2026 CT starting horn sounding through Bells Beach for men’s Round 1 of the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy. The infamous Bells Bowl put men’s Round 1 to the test in dicey conditions, but statement-making performances unraveled from the likes of wildcard Dane Henry, rookie sensations Mateus Herdy and Luke Thompson, and Torquay’s own wildcard Xavier Huxtable. Henry’s impeccable run through WSL competitions continued to the CT level as the reigning World Junior Champion showcased a stunning debut to steal the show before fellow wildcard upstart Huxtable, who now sets up a rematch of last year’s heater against Italo Ferreira. Herdy’s long-awaited rookie start yielded an impressive start alongside fellow rookie Thompson, who posted the day’s best performance of a 14.67 heat total. The Surfline forecast shows more swell on the horizon with 6-8’ faces with tricky winds before the swell eases, but more favorable winds through the weekend. Initial damage has been done, and early eliminations are now shifting their focus to Western Australia. Now, men’s Round 2 is set with women ready to make their debut when competition resumes. Plus, a day full of surfing showcases highlighted opening day with the Afternoon Delight Twin Fin Expression Session, and WSL50 Expression Session featuring World Champions past and present to celebrate 50 years of World Tour Surfing through the generations. Next call, Saturday, April 4 at 7:30 a.m. AEDT. Running from April 1 to 11, the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach presented by Bonsoy marks the first stop of the 2026 World Surf League Championship Tour. The world’s best surfers will battle it out on the iconic waves of Bells Beach. The event pays homage to the region's rich surfing heritage, continuing a legacy of hosting world-class surfing events for over sixty years. Shop WSL 2026 Championship Tour collection - https://ift.tt/ZMJguds... Shop Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach presented by Bonsoy WSL50 items - https://ift.tt/Apyra76... Play WSL Fantasy here - https://ift.tt/9Kf8Ie2 Watch all the latest surfing action of the world's best surfers in the world's best waves. Heats on demand, event highlights and exclusive interviews, right here on the WSL's Youtube channel. For More Visit: https://ift.tt/wqWrbjs Like the WSL on Facebook: https://ift.tt/VbL1CyT Follow us on X: http://www.x.com/wsl Follow us on Instagram: https://ift.tt/aU06OEF World Surf League https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS-b-Ksm3F0