Lucas Hickson and Carly Shanahan dominate at WorkSafe Victorian Classic Bells Beach

Victorian State Champions have been decided this weekend at the WorkSafe Victorian Classic at Bells Beach / Djarrak.

This first year of a new format saw one of the biggest fields for the event in recent memory with over 50 competitors taking to the famous break to earn the title of State Champion, gain a spot in the Rip Curl Pro Trials and claim the winners cheque.

2025 Rip Curl Pro Trials winner Carly Shanahan (Jan Juc) was unstoppable throughout the event, winning her opening round heat to skip the repecharge rounds before locking in the equal highest heat total of the weekend (16.00 points out of a possible 20.00) to make the final.

In the final Shanahan never looked like losing, scoring a heat topping score on her first wave (7.33) before backing it up with a 6.17 to seal the win.

“I am frothing to take the win! Time to start putting in the work for the trials,” said Shanahan.

“There was some amazing surfing going down. We’re so lucky to be able to live in this beautiful place with these waves and to surf them uncrowded is even better. The format to have a minimum 2 surfs at Bells is all time. All the girls surf incredibly and I was inspired to put in my all. Thanks to Micky for caddying all day”

Coming in second place was Ava Holland (Dromana) with a heat total of 10.10 points. Sara Hickson (Rye, 7.10) and Lillian Bassed (Sandy Point, 6.30) came in third and fourth respectively.

The Open division saw Lucas Hickson (Rye) continue his run of form over the last 12 months, going back to back with Victorian State Titles.

“I’m absolutely stoked! Winning the state title means a lot — to be crowned champ and earn a spot in the trials again is massive,” Said Hickson.

Hickson finished in the final on a heat total of 15.23 points, ahead of Kai Nudd (Jan Juc) who finished on 13.00 points.

“Bells is such an iconic wave, and getting the chance to surf it with just a few others out is pretty special. The new format this year was a cool change too. Having the second chance draw took some pressure off early, and running it over two days gave everyone a real shot to show what they’ve got.”

Veterans Tim Birnie (Jan Juc, 11.00) and Derek Bassed (Sandy Point, 8.66) finished in third and fourth place respectively.

Finals Results:
Open Women
1st – Carly Shanahan (Jan Juc), 13.50
2nd – Ava Holland (Dromana), 10.10
3rd – Sara Hickson (Rye), 7.10
4th – Lillian Bassed (Sandy Point), 6.30

Open Men
1st – Lucas Hickson (Rye), 15.23
2nd – Kai Nudd (Jan Juc), 13.00
3rd – Tim Birnie (Jan Juc), 11.00
4th – Derek Bassed (Sandy Point), 8.66

Full Results can be found online at www.surfingvic.com/live

The WorkSafe Victorian Classic is supported by Mizu Life, Ritual Vision Eyewear, S2 Adventure, Cancer Council Sunscreen, Vitality Brands and Surfing Victoria.