Watch from the soft sand as the pros ride the picturesque Great Ocean Road waves!
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| Bells Beach, Great Ocean Road |
Victoria’s stunning coastline is legendary in the surf world. Featuring rough waves and epic surf spots that bring herds of pros to its sands. One of the top beach spots to visit is Bells Beach, renowned for being the birthplace for Australian surfing. Head here during the annual Rip Curl Pro surf competition and get ready to see surfing like you’ve never seen before!
The History of Bells Beach
Back in ancient times, Bells Beach was home to the Wadawurrung people, who lived inland but used the beach as a fishing zone. After the European invasion, the region became a permanent settlement, established in the 1830s. In this time, Bells Beach became a part of the Mount Pleasant pastoral run, which was used by John Calvert Bell, who eventually purchased the beach in 1905. Surfing started flourishing in the region in the 1940s, but due to the small narrow access track, only a few local surfers knew of its grandeur. In 1960, the track was eventually widened, and lead to the first formal competition in 1962. This is now known as Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, which is a part of the World Surfing League Tour.
About the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach
This competition brings a herd of surfers to Bells Beaches soft sands. Featuring the world’s best male and female surfers to the competitors list. The event holds a very special place in surfing folklore, being known as the birthing place for Australian surfing, and Australian surf brands. The competition is a part of the World Surfing League tour, which is the longest running world championship level contest.
When can you see it?
It is a tradition that the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach is within the Easter long weekend, but the exact times are always rearranging. As the competition is always run during the best swell conditions between the event dates. You can keep track of when the competition times will commence by checking the World Surf League website closer to the date.
What you can see there
You don’t even have to be a surfer to enjoy this epic display of surfing. The group of viewers are always mixed, containing pro surfers, pro scouters, aspiring surfers, locals, and travellers wanting to see how the Aussies do it! There is plenty to keep you occupied while you’re waiting for the surfing to start, with an array of rugged sea cliffs, walking tracks, and nearby wildlife to keep your entertained. Learn about the competitors hoping to win the prize before they hit the track and listen to the commentators who will fill you in on the current updates and news.
Recommended Great Ocean Road Tours from Melbourne: 1 Day Great Ocean Road & 12 Apostles Tour
Price: $109
Company: Last Minute Day Tours
This post was originally posted on https://lastminutedaytoursaustralia.wordpress.com/2020/04/12/rip-curl-pro-bells-beach/
