Rip Curl Bells Beach Pro - Easter Weekend

The Bells Beach Bowl... Pic: ASP
What is the only professional sporting event allowed in Australia on the Easter long weekend? Yes, allowed! There are laws about that kind of thing.

The Rip Curl Bells Beach Pro (the title probably gave it away) is happening yet again this Easter weekend down in Torquay, Victoria at the iconic Bells Beach. Australia’s most famous point break turned beachie, where a wetsuit is always required, the water is always blue and the crowds are always thick. It’s a highlight on the Australian surfing calendar, no doubt, and has been since 1973 when Rip Curl put up the prize money to turn it into Australia’s first ever professional surfing event.

Famous for not only the aforementioned characteristics, the Rip Curl Pro is also home to the world renowned Rip Curl Grom Search, a competition to find the worlds best young surfers. The international final will be taking place during the long weekend, and the winner will walk away with some serious prize money.

As for the oldies, Mick Fanning is back for his third straight title. Going up against the usual armada of surfing elite, he’s pulled all the stops to show Australia he’s still got what it takes.

Who will ring the Bells Beach Bell for 2015? Shane Dorian summed it up pretty well back in 1999, saying “No kook has ever won at Bells,” and no kook ever has. Check back after the Easter long weekend to find out…