On Victoria's wild coast, where limestone cliffs plunge into the Southern Ocean, Bells Beach is the most classic right point break on the planet – long walls, endless carves and a natural bowl that becomes an amphitheater for the crowd.
But what elevates Bells to absolute legend status is the Rip Curl Pro, the oldest CT event, where winning means ring the bell – touching the historic bell and entering the surf hall of fame.
In 2025, the Aussies dominated: Jack Robinson and Isabella Nichols made a historic sweep, ringing the bell loud for the nation.
The Wave That Defines Power Surfing
Bells is a right point over limestone reef, with sections allowing 600-900 foot rides on good days:
- •The Bowl: critical take-off, main wall for massive carves
- •Rincon: fast section, ideal for progressive ripping
- •Winkipop: backup spot when Bells is onshore – fast and hollow left
Best swell: South/Southwest, 4–10 feet (best 6–8 feet for performance). Cold water (57-64°F in autumn), 3/2 wetsuit + boots for sharp reefs. When it's on, it's pure power carving – vertical turns, speed and flow.
Rip Curl Pro: The Most Traditional CT Event
- •Started in 1962 as Bells Easter Classic – the oldest contest in the world.
- •1973: Rip Curl enters as sponsor, becomes pro with prize money.
- •Trophy: The giant bell (replicas for winners). Motto: "Win it to ring it!"
- •Legends: Mick Fanning (4x), Kelly Slater (4x), Tom Curren, Mark Occhilupo, Gail Couper.
- •2025: 62nd edition, April. Jack Robinson (his first win) and Isabella Nichols (her second CT win) made an Aussie sweep.
- •2025 Highlights: Ethan Ewing threw the best carves of the event, Kanoa Igarashi almost stole it, but the Aussies dominated.
How to Get There and Experience the Spectacle
- •Melbourne Airport → 1.5 hours by car via Great Ocean Road.
- •Base: Torquay (birthplace of Rip Curl and Quiksilver).
- •Event: Waiting period March-April, with AC/DC "Hells Bells" playing every morning.
- •View: Cliffs with 10,000 people – bring binoculars and a chair.
- •Free surf: Respect locals – Bells has strong tradition.
Bells Beach / Rip Curl Pro Checklist
- ✓6'2–6'8 board with volume for long walls
- ✓3/2 wetsuit + boots (cold and reef)
- ✓Rental car (Great Ocean Road is epic)
- ✓Event tickets (free for general, VIP for close)
- ✓Sunscreen and jacket (south wind cuts)
Beyond the Wave
- •Great Ocean Road drive to the 12 Apostles
- •Torquay Surf Museum + Rip Curl factory tours
- •After-surf at the pub with Victoria Bitter beer
- •Sunset on the cliffs watching the bowl calm down
Bells Beach is not just a spot – it's where surfing becomes tradition, where powerful carves write history and where ringing the bell means immortality. In 2025, the Aussies reminded the world: Bells is theirs.
Ready for the pilgrimage to power surfing's mecca? Win it to ring it – and good luck on the most classic walls on the planet.
REFERENCES
World Surf League (WSL) official site, Rip Curl archives, Surfer Magazine, Stab, BeachGrit, Wikipedia Rip Curl Pro history, 2025 reports on Jack Robinson and Isabella Nichols victories.
