Jack Robinson Wins First Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Title, Isabella Nichols Triumphs in Women’s Event
The 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour stop at Bells Beach, Australia, delivered unforgettable moments as homegrown hero Jack Robinson captured his first Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach title. Surfing in front of family and friends, the 27-year-old edged out Japan’s Kanoa Igarashi in an exciting final, while fellow Australian Isabella Nichols dominated the women’s division.
The iconic Bells Beach event, the fifth stop on the 2025 WSL CT calendar, marked a pivotal moment for Robinson. After previous victories this season by Ítalo Ferreira and Jordy Smith (RSA), Robinson was hunting his first win of the year. He advanced from a tough Heat 7, impressed with a 16.13 score in the Round of 32 against Jackson Bunch, and smoothly overcame Filipe Toledo in the Round of 16 with a 16.53.
Robinson’s quarter-final against Jake Marshall had home fans roaring as he squeezed through with a 15.94 to 14.57 win. The semi-final clash with Griffin Colapinto proved even tighter, with Robinson edging a thrilling 14.67 to 14.33 result under pressure.
Finals Day finally brought favorable conditions at the Bells Bowl, producing semi-clean surf in the four-to-six-foot range. In the men’s final, Robinson faced off against longtime friend and Olympic silver medallist Kanoa Igarashi. While Igarashi caught multiple waves, Robinson waited patiently, relying on just two key scoring rides. A powerful carve and layback snap earned Robinson a crucial 7.77, securing an unbeatable 14.14 total.
“I thought there was going to be more waves in the Final. I just had to get in front of Kanoa. It was kind of getting slow, and I needed to turn the heat on. Surfing is wild, the way that it chooses you. I’m super blessed and really grateful. It hasn’t really sunk in. I’m just enjoying the moment.”
An emotional Robinson reflected afterward:
“It’s a special day. I have my whole family here. Watching footage of Joel Parko and Mick Fanning surfing Bells right before the semis fired me up. I just channelled that energy.”
Having climbed to third in the world rankings, Robinson added:
“Jack and I have been hanging out all week, so it’s funny how it all came together. We were going gloves off no matter what. It just feels good to be on the hunt again.”
Runner-up Igarashi, also 27, commented:
Elsewhere in the men’s draw, João Chianca, Ítalo Ferreira, and Leonardo Fioravanti exited in the Round of 16, while Jordy Smith (RSA) bowed out in the quarter-finals.
In the women’s division, Australia‘s Isabella Nichols shone brightest. With defending champion Caitlin Simmers, Caroline Marks, Molly Picklum, and Erin Brooks all knocked out early, Nichols seized the opportunity. In the final, she dominated Brazil’s Luana Silva 16.26 to 12.67 to secure her career-defining win.
“Words can’t describe how I’m feeling right now. Ever since winning in Margaret River three years ago, I’ve been chasing this feeling. Getting carried up the stairs by my dad and coach, surrounded by family – it’s an emotion I can’t describe.”
Nichols, also 27, shared her overwhelming joy:
The 2025 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach will go down as one of the most memorable stops of the season, celebrating homegrown success on Australia’s iconic coastline.
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