Molly Picklum Sets Sights on Bells Beach Victory to Kick Off World Title Defence
Molly Picklum, Australia's reigning world surfing champion, has already secured the sport's highest honour, but she carries unfinished business into the iconic Bells Beach event. The 23-year-old is determined to start her world title defence with a powerful statement as the World Surf League tour commences this week, marking the first competition at the legendary Victorian surf break.
A Deep Desire for Bells Beach Success
Picklum expressed that winning the Rip Curl Pro is a paramount goal for her. "There's always a little asterisk next to the Bells Beach event and ringing that bell," she told AAP. "I just think so many people talk about it and how iconic it is, and the value on it is so high for us surfers. Just the names that are on the stairs when you're running down, I'd love for my name to be etched in those stairs."
In 2023, Picklum came agonisingly close, finishing as runner-up to Tyler Wright. However, the NSW Central Coast surfer believes that outcome was fateful. The final was held at the adjacent Winkipop break, but Picklum yearns for a triumph in the iconic Bells bowl itself. "I was so close, but I think everything happens for a reason. Winning over at Winki, how it was, wouldn't have felt as iconic if I got to win out here on the bowl, so hopefully we get waves throughout here," she reflected.
Embracing Challenges and Tour Changes
Picklum acknowledged the difficulties posed by Bells Beach, noting it contrasts with her typical surfing style. "There's a lot of challenges that I've faced around this event and just the wave. It's quite hard; I don't think it suits my style of surfing that I typically like, but it's good, it's a challenge," she said.
The 2026 WSL tour has undergone significant adjustments, with its start delayed from January to April and three Australian events launching the season. Key changes include the elimination of the five-surfer winner-take-all final for the world title and the removal of the repechage round, meaning surfers can be ousted from the opening heat.
Picklum views competing on home soil as an advantage, despite potential pressure. "It's like that home-ground advantage, and then other people probably have an opposing opinion, saying 'Oh, the hometown pressure.' I don't know; I'm so grateful to be around my people and so proud to be Australian. To stay on land as much as possible is nice, and hopefully do my country proud to start the season, which obviously benefits me personally leading into the rest of the season," she explained.
Veteran Returns and Competitive Dynamics
At a recent media day, five surfers gathered, including defending men's Bells champion Jack Robinson from Western Australia and five-time women's world champion Carissa Moore, who is returning to the tour after motherhood. Notably absent was Stephanie Gilmore, an eight-time world champion back from a two-year hiatus, despite being spotted in the water earlier. Organisers were uncertain if her absence resulted from miscommunication or a desire to avoid the spotlight during her comeback.
Picklum anticipates that both Gilmore and Moore will re-enter the sport with heightened determination. "I don't know what they're going to bring, and I bet they don't too, you know they haven't competed for a while. But I have a little inkling that they're going to be pretty fired up. I don't believe you lose things from time away from the water, and I think you can find motivation, and it makes you hungry. That's why it's so exciting. We have the really young kids coming in that are pushing the level of women's sport, and then we have the veterans who undoubtedly know the ins and outs of this tour," she remarked.
As the WSL tour gets underway, all eyes are on Picklum as she strives to conquer Bells Beach and solidify her status as a dominant force in professional surfing.
