On-shore winds and a diminishing swell at Bells Beach have prompted organisers to put the Rip Curl Pro on hold for the next 48 hours.

After two action-packed days to kick off the World Surf League event, the decision was made early on Thursday morning to halt action for Thursday and Friday.

Teenaged wildcard Ellie Harrison is the only Australian still standing in the women’s competition, after back-to-back defending champion Tyler Wright, fellow two-time winner Sally Fitzgibbons and world No.1 Molly Picklum were all eliminated on Wednesday in the round of 16.

The men’s event is midway through the round of 32, with Australians Morgan Cibilic, Ryan Callinan and defending champion Ethan Ewing already through to the round of 16.

The next call will be made at 7.45am (AEDT) on Easter Saturday.