Bells set to put indigenous best to the test

THE best indigenous surfers in the country will hit Bells Beach this week in a bid to take out a coveted annual contest. From tomorrow to Sunday, the 2017 Australian indigenous surfing titles will showcase a field of up to 80 competitors across six divisions, with event trophies up for grabs alongside places on the mainstream national titles. With swells of up to 2.5m predicted across the three days, organisers Anthony Hume and Jordie Campbell say the event is set to put on a strong showing in its sixth year. “It’s 100 per cent competitive — everyone comes down wanting to win,” Campbell said. “But in comparison to a lot of other contests that I’ve surfed in, you’re stoked if one of the other boys goes well (too). There’s that real family vibe about it all.” Categories include open male, open female, masters, longboarders and juniors, with a panel of professional judges led by head judge Craig Clarke. Hume and Campbell’s own heritage allows them to take part in the event. Last year’s open male champion Russell Molony, went on to have further success at a national and international level. For updates, follow Surfing Victoria and Surfing Australia on Facebook.