The Ultimate Guide To The 2023 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach.
Directions and parking, what’s on and what to bring. This is your ultimate guide to the 2023 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach.
The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach is a renowned stop on the World Surf League Championship Tour, and the longest-running event in competitive surfing. Not only this, it's held in Torquay, the birthplace of Rip Curl. Plus the storied list of former champions includes such epic Rip Curl athletes as Tyler Wright and Mick Fanning. Suffice to say, the event holds a special place in our hearts and is part of the zeitgeist of the brand. As such we like to have our fingers on the pulse when it comes to all things “The Pro”. Read on for tips and tricks, event info, merchandise and more.
From the Rip Curl Flagship Store in Torquay, get on the Surf Coast Highway. Drive all the way down past the footy oval. Then, take the second exit, heading up the hill towards Jan Juc. You’re now on the Great Ocean Road. Stay on the GOR, take a left down Bells Boulevard. Take it slow, there are some concealed driveways along this stretch and these roads are often thoroughfares for local wildlife too. Keep your eyes peeled for echidnas and kangaroos. Soon enough you’ll hit a T-intersection at Bones Road, turn left! By now you’ll see the official car park Bells-adjacent, a perfectly groomed 8-10ft swell (we hope!), and many others like yourself eager to watch the action… Follow the bouncing ball from here into the car park. The staff will collect a parking fee and usher you to the best available spot. You made it!
Walking In
Prefer to stretch your legs? Take the Bells Track! This scenic stroll runs from Jan Juc, where there’s ample free parking, to Bells Beach where the competition is held. It’s relatively low intensity and beautifully scenic, with local vegetation and ocean views for the majority of the trek. There are a few benches along the way for those keen to stop and take it all in or catch their breath. Spanning a little over 3kms long (or 2 miles), the Bells Track is also part of a larger network of Surf Coast Walks that connect from Point Impossible to Aireys Inlet, if you want more.
Riding The Bus
The shuttle bus is a great way to get into the event with the whole crew. There are hourly services from the Rip Curl Car Park (on the half hour). Stops and run-times to be confirmed. Make sure you’re checking the Rip Curl socials (listed below) for The Call. The daily bus service may stop running earlier if the event is called off for the day.
Rip Curl Pro Shuttle Bus Service The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach will again offer a free shuttle bus over the Easter Long Weekend.
Friday 7th April 8:30am – 5:30pm Saturday 8th April 8:30am – 5:30pm Sunday 9th April 8:30am – 5:30pm Monday 10th April 8:30am – 5:30pm
Hourly services from Rip Curl Car Park (on the half hour) 1. Rip Curl Store, Torquay 2. Stop at Wyndham Resort Bus Stop 3. Stop at Peppers The Sands Resort Bus Stop 4. Stop at Doc Hughes/Front Beach Cafe Bus Stop 5. Stop at Bells Street Art Gallery Bus Stop 6. Stop at Bird Rock Cafe 7. Stop at Rip Curl Pro Event Site
Tickets
Tickets for the event can be purchased at the gate from the first day of the waiting period.
Ticket Prices: Festival Pass – $25 (Consession: $10)
Day Pass – $10 (Concession: $5)
Kids 16 & Under – Free
Parking – $5
*Due to capacity limitations at Bells Beach, Festival Passes do not guarantee entry on the day. Capacity limitations are put into place to ensure the continued preservation of the Bells Beach surfing reserve. Unfortunately, no dogs are allowed on site.
What's On
If you’re in Torquay during the event checkout the Rip Curl Flagship Store at 101 Surf Coast Hwy. The store is packed with our latest threads,surfboards,wetsuits, and equipment. Plus, we'll be screening the Rip Curl Pro live outside the boardstore. Relax in the sunshine and watch the world’s elite wreak havoc on our favourite right-hand points. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When on the Surf Coast, surf! If it’s a lay-day and the event isn’t running you can still catch a wave at one of the magnets along the coast. However, if you’re surfing at WinkiPop, remember that the WSL do run the event there from time to time. Keep an eye out for officials and respect the call so that when it’s on, it’s ON!
Is the Rip Curl Pro on today? We'll be doing daily updates on our socials each day of the waiting period. We’ll let you know The Call so you stay informed and don't miss out when it's ON! Official Event Page: Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Instagram: @RipCurl_AUS Facebook: @RipCurlAU Twitter: @RipCurl TikTok: @Rip_Curl
Saltwater Culture exhibition presented by Rip Curl opening night at Fine Thanks Gallery
APRIL 7
Jumbo LIVE Screening at the Rip Curl Torquay Store: 7 - 10th April
APRIL 7
Coastal Jam at Torquay Hotel - Get your tickets here
APRIL 8
Rip Curl Team Signing at the Torquay Store: 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Pack Ya Bags
Wondering what to bring to Torquay? Well, predicting the weather on the Surf Coast is notoriously fickle. Five seasons in a day. If you don’t like the conditions, just wait 20 minutes… they’re bound to change! Below we’ve got our picks for embracing the elements, fending off the sun, catching a few waves, and just generally winning at the event. When you’re prepared, there’s nothing better than feeling the cool offshore breeze lap over the dunes and into the surf. Do it in Rip Curl style with ultimate comfort.
So, we’re currently experiencing a La Niña weather event for the second year running. We’ve seen warmer waters, more easterly wind and swells and lots of rain grace our shores recently. A warm, windproof & water resistant jacket is a must when you’re on the beach. The Anti-Series collection is chocked full of layers, perfect for braving the cold, wind and rain. Get one sorted for the event, you won’t regret it! Shop Anti-Series Range
The sun is sneaky down our way. If you’ve posted up on the sand and are watching heat after heat, even if there’s a chill in the air, there’s a good chance you’ll get burnt. Protect yourself from all of the above. Shop Womens Hats Shop Mens Hats Shop Sunscreen
Sitting on the sand is part and parcel of being at Bells. The slopey wave-groomed dunes are like a natural amphitheater. The vibe is electric. But! No one likes wet bum. Pick up a beach blanket, ideally with one waterproof side to sit on the beach. Here’s one we prepared earlier: Surf Series Change Mat
Beware the front row seats! If you plonk down on the sand, keep your wits about you. The Easter full moon makes for king tides that reach gradually higher and higher up the beach. So, when the tide’s coming in, the surge may try and steal your flip-flops or significant other. A waterproof beach bag is perfect for keeping your favourite things safe, dry, and on land. Check these out: Shop Bags & Backpacks
The Rip Curl Search Stainless Steel Drink Bottle is an epic insulated flask. Whether it's quenching a summer thirst with something ice cold, or warming up from the wintry dawn surf, this is an essential in every surfer's quiver. Shop Drink Bottles
Vicco’s water temp is starting to drop... If you really feel the cold then a FlashBomb 4/3,Booties and Hood, would be atop the recommendation list. However, this year we’re calling the best wetsuit for Bells an E-Bomb 3/2. Featuring Rip Curl’s latest E6 neoprene with Thermo Lining throughout the entire suit, combined with zip free entry system for maximum paddling freedom and water seal. It’s the perfect balance of warmth and stretch.
Not In The Area?
Can’t make it to Bells? Don’t miss a heat. Stream it live via the WSL website. If you don’t have the luxury of tuning in for the whole event you can still see the best rides, thrills and spills with our daily highlight reel uploaded to the event page, watch all the action right here.
Want to learn more about the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach? Explore our main event page below!
