The final day at the Rip Curl pro was an epic battle for not only Steph Gilmore but Tour rookie, Caroline Marks. Heat by heat the women gave the crowds plenty to cheer for, ICYMI, here are the highlights.
An early 6:30am start with the waves firing saw Bells turn it on with some 4-6 foot runners. Steph had fellow team mate and rookie on the tour, 16 year-old, Caroline Marks, to beat in her Semi.
Caroline certainly didn’t back down from the challenge, dropping an 8.77 in the opening minutes of the heat. However, Steph didn’t waver, waiting to drop the biggest wave of the heat- a 9.07 showing the rookie what it takes to make waves and move mountains.
Progressing through to the final, Steph met Hawaiian, Tatiana Weston-Webb. Hungry for the chance to ring the bell, both women traded scores throughout the 35 minute heat and kept everyone on the beach and lining the cliffs on the edge of their seat right down to the closing siren.
The 6x World Champ managed to claim the honors and now stands amongst some of the greatest in the sport, to have won 4 Bells trophies.
Just before she rang the bell, Steph’s excitement was undeniable, “I just won the Rip Curl Pro here at Bells Beach and I. Feel. Amazing!!”
Podium selfie with a fellow Bells legend, Mick Fanning.
Congratulations Steph!
photos- @wsl
