Rip Curl Women's Pro Bells Beach Contest Information
GPS Coordinates: 38º20’ S, 144º19’ E
Port of Arival: Melbourne Avalon Airport, Geelong (GEX)
TRANSPORTATION: Rent a car. Jan Juc and Torquay are an hour away from Melbourne and a half hour from the nearest domestic airport. The Bells Bowl is a decent little drive from even the nearest accommodation and there ain’t anything warm about the joint around Easter.
ATTITUDE: Something about Bells really brings out the serious side in the competitors. Maybe it’s the cold water, maybe it’s the historical aura of the place or the early rush to rack up ratings points… whatever it is, The Bowl lights a seriously competitive fire under the girls. Because there’s not a whole lot to distract the Top 17 in Torquay the level of competition can catapult to new heights when the waves cooperate.
THE WAVE: Bells Beach is comprised of several breaks, The Bowl, Outside Bells, Rincon, Centreside, Southside and Winkipop among them. Outside Bells is the main break that produces a long, fast, even wall when it gets above six foot. The Bowl is the steep final section of the wave, and just east of The Bowl, Winki runs over a stretch of reef producing a quick, hollow wave that often surpasses conditions at Bells proper.
PERKS: The April holding period opens Bells up to a great swell window, and the potential for excellent surf is always strong. Torquay at Easter is a tradition for many… you want action, we got action. You want bands, we got bands. Looking to get in a little trouble, we could probably arrange something.
PERILS: It’s frosty people. The water temp’s bad enough, but add in Bells’ geographic proximity to Anarctica and you’ll get an idea of how cold it can get..
APRES SURF: Although the place can be a little sleepy little burg, we bring the party to town. Expect the surfers to share a big night or two with the locals at the Torquay Hotel or
LOCAL LIBATION: It’s all about the beer at Bells.
EAT AT: The Torquay Hotel is a pretty good feed.
CAFFEINATE AT: Spooners and Soul Fuel steam a mean flat white and are just steps away from Surf Shop Central - a.k.a. the Rippy, Quik, Roxy, Bong, Cult et. al arena. Grab a cuppa and get your shop on!
ASP WOMEN’S WORLD TOUR HISTORY: Even though the boys have enjoyed some 35 consecutive years of Bells Beach action, the women’s portion of proceedings have been rather stop and go. Bottom line, the Bowl is on the ladies’ calendar in 2007 and they couldn’t be happier about it! |
RIP CURL PRO BELLS WOMEN'S 2009 