2026 Bells Beach Gear Guide: What the Pros Are Riding & Easter Swell Forecast
The 63rd running of the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach is officially here, and while the waiting period has kicked off with some tricky conditions, the energy on the Surf Coast is electric. As the Mornington Peninsula's home for high-performance surf, Welcome Board Store is tracking the board choices of the world's best to see what's working in the iconic Bells Bowl and across the reef at Winkipop.
The Lay Day Update: Friday, April 3rd
It's a Lay Day at Bells today. Event organizers are holding out for the fresh SSW swell that's currently pulsing toward the Victorian coastline. While the pros wait for the tide, it's the perfect time to look at the "Local Wildcards" who are already making waves — and the gear that will handle the incoming Easter weekend size.
The Local Edge: Xavier Huxtable & Ellie Harrison
Victorian pride is at an all-time high after the trials wrapped up at Winki Pop. Two of our own have secured their spots in the main draw, and they are not just here to make up the numbers.
Xavier Huxtable: The Giant Slayer
Jan Juc local Xavier Huxtable is back at Bells for the third time. After his legendary upset over the World No. 1 a few seasons ago, "Xav" knows these lines better than anyone.
The Gear Choice: Xavier's on-rail attack is built on precision. For the powerful walls of Bells, he relies on a high-performance outline with enough rail length to hold through massive carves. His surfboard of choice is the Sharpeye File Fifty, available in sizes ranging from 6'1 to 6'6, paired with Future Tech Flex JJF Fins to support the raw power of Bells Beach.
The Welcome Verdict: To replicate that local rail game, check out our Sharpeye Surfboards collection — specifically the File Fifty, the ultimate step-up surfboard for when the Bowl starts to roar.
Ellie Harrison: Style Meets Power
Barwon Heads sensation Ellie Harrison dominated the women's trials with her trademark laybacks and signature flow. Having previously defeated former World Champions in this draw, she is the wildcard no one wants to face.
The Gear Choice: Ellie needs a board that can carry speed through the fatter sections of the Bowl but pivot quickly on the Winki reef.
The Welcome Verdict: For that perfect blend of paddle power and performance, we recommend the Channel Islands range. The Feb Shorty and Happy Traveler are built exactly for these conditions.
Bells Beach Swell Forecast: Easter Weekend 2026
The forecast is looking "all systems go" for Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday/Sunday Outlook: We are expecting a building SSW groundswell to fill in, with sets pushing into the 4–6ft+ range. This is classic Bells Beach Easter swell territory — the kind of surf that defines the event.
The Call: This is step-up surfboard territory. If you're driving down from Rye or Mornington to catch the action, don't get caught under-gunned.
Rubber Up: The Victorian water is sitting at a crisp 14°C. The pros are staying flexible in the latest Rip Curl Wetsuits. If you're still in a 3/2mm, it's time to upgrade to a 4/3mm steamer before the winter pulse truly hits.
Shop the Bells Beach Quiver at Welcome Board Store Mornington
Can't make it to Torquay? We bring the Pro Tour tech to the Mornington Peninsula. We stock the exact surfboard brands you're seeing on the WSL broadcast, including:
Heading to Bells this Easter weekend? Pop into our Mornington store on your way down the coast to grab fresh wax, a heavy-duty surf leash, or a new set of fins to handle the Southern Ocean juice.
