Official Event Site

April 8th - 13th, 2009
Bells Beach: Jan Juc/Torquay, Victoria, Australia

COORDINATES: 38º20' S, 144º19' E

BAGGAGE CLAIM: 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 Hallowed Bells is a decent little drive from even the nearest accommodation. Weather wise, the place can be flooded one day and on fire the next. Bring your winter gear and your flip flops!

ATTITUDE: Something about Bells really brings out the serious side in the competitors. Maybe it's the frigid waters, maybe it's the historical aura of the place or the early rush to snag ratings points… whatever it is, The Bowl and its stadium like set up always deliver a sick show. 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 stooped in tradition and half of Melbourne always make the trip down… 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 can be frosty people. The water temp's bad enough, but add in Bells' geographic proximity to Antarctica and you'll get an idea of how cold it can get. You'll need some time to acclimatize after being spoilt in the warm waters up North.

APRES SURF: Although the place can be a sleepy little ghost town, The Rip Curl Pro brings the party to town. Expect the surfers to share a big night or two with the locals at the Torquay Hotel and the Tracks party at the Rose is always a debauchery filled affair.

LOCAL LIBATION: It's all about the beer at Bells. Get it in you.

EAT AT: The Torquay Hotel is a pretty good feed. Also sample the local fish and chips.

CAFFEINATE AT: Soul Fuel steams a mean flat white and is 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! The food is also supreme - Try the soul fuel burger…guaranteed to kill that post surf hunger.

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 has been rather stop and go. Bottom line, the Bowl is on the ladies' calendar in 2009 and they couldn't be happier about it!

PAST EVENT CHAMPIONS:

2009: Silvana Lima (BRA) 2008: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 2007: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 2005: Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 2001: Neridah Falconer (AUS) 2000: Megan Abubo (HAW) 1999: Layne Beachley (AUS) 1998: Layne Beachley (AUS) 1997: Lisa Andersen (USA)	1996: Pauline Menczer (AUS) 1995: Lisa Andersen (USA) 1994: Layne Beachley (AUS) 1993: Pauline Menczer (AUS) 1992: Lisa Anderson (USA) 1991: Pauline Menczer (AUS) 1990: Lisa Andersen (USA) 1989: Wendy Botha (AUS) 1988: Kim Mearig (USA)	1985: Frieda Zamba (USA) 1984: Frieda Zamba (USA) 1983: Kim Mearig (USA) 1982: Debbie Beacham (USA) 1980: Margo Oberg (USA) 1979: Lynne Boyer (USA) 1978: Margo Oberg (USA) 1977: Margo Oberg (USA)