Achi news desk-
Multiple world champion Kelly Slater and up to 16 Australians are set to hit the waves at Bells Beach as the Rip Curl Pro gets underway.
Competition has been called on during the famous Victorian break, with clean surf in the four to six foot range greeting competitors on Tuesday morning.
The men’s competition will feature Seth Moniz and double world title holder John John Florence, both representing Hawaii.
Australian defending champion Ethan Ewing goes up against compatriot George Pittar and South African Matthew McGillivray in heat five.
Leading the overall women’s standings this season, Molly Picklum faces a tough all-Australian opening heat on Tuesday also featuring Isabella Nichols and Ellie Harrison.
Last year’s winner, Tyler Wright, goes into the final heat of the women’s opening round, where he will take on Brazil’s Tatiana Weston-Webb and fellow Australian Sally Fitzgibbons.
