HISTORY1840 – John Cavert Bell takes up a farming lease in the area giving the beach it’s name1920 – Returning Australian Servicemen from WW 1 create the ‘Great Ocean Road’ between Warrnambool and Torquay1938 – Early surfers first discover the main break at Bells and surrounding spots such as Winki and South Side1960 – Torqay surfers frustrated by difficult access hire a bulldozer and create the road to Bells Beach1961 – The ‘Bells Beach Surf Classic’ is held for the first time, it remains the worlds longest running surfing competition1966 – Bells Beach is featured in Bruce Brown’s seminal film – Endless summer1973 – Michael Peterson wins the first event held in the ‘Professional Era’; he does it in 74 and 75 as well1977 – Simon Anderson does it on a Thruster1984 – Rock band ‘Australian Crawl’ is the major sponsor for the event1991 – In the film ‘Pointbreak’, the Bells Beach scene is shot at Cannon beach, Oregon. Peter Phelps utters the immortal words... “aw cripes mate, it’s death on a stick out there eyyy.”

TODAYIn many ways, little has changed at Bells since the 1960’s. The cold water rock combo reef that terminates at Bells Beach proper juts 100’s of metres to the west and incorporates sections known as Centreside, Rincon, Outside and The Bowl. The party continues just to the east with the incredible back up option of Winkipop; another long right hander breaking against well groomed reef. That really nasty rock shelf awash that you see between Bells and Winki from the clifftop carpark is called ‘The Button’ - stay away from it – really. If you’re only ever a visitor to the great region such as myself then you will probably first paddle out to Winki from Bells and that means you are going to go past the button. Give it a wide berth, especially in a solid swell. Bells holds anything from 2-15 feet and whilst there is real alternative surf break talent in the area, it is always busy. The number of reef sections on offer typically means the crowd will thread out a little though which will give you a solid shot of scoring a few – same deal at Winki.

Surf reserve and conservation listings have limited any development in the area. The concrete wave on the road that you drive by marks the old Cobb and Co Coach path from the 1800s. The carparks and viewing platforms are all more recent. All except the harshest critic would agree that the people of Torquay have done a great job in showcasing their natural treasure. The locals are very happy to share it with you as well – remember you are a guest and you’ll do fine.

SURF TRAVELMarch to September is your window down here with the Pro event being held across Easter (First Week of April). Outside of competition windows, the nearby town of Torquay is a sleepy little town really with a great collection of accommodation and eateries to suit all budgets in the region. The main surf retail area of the town really has to be seen to be believed. Rip Curl has their global headquarters here and the other major brands have matched the retail footprint in the form of massive warehouse style stores. It’s worth a look just to see first hand some of the gear that doesen’t always make it to your local surf shop back home – 7mm wetsuits, impact vests, tow in gear, little newborn wetties for the kids.

Then there’s one of concept gear such as surf label tuxedos and dinner suits...hmmmm...mkayy

Niche brands such as Patagonia lie straight across the highway – worth a visit just to mindsurf the range of Wayne Lynch, Brewers and Dick Van Straalen’s on offer.

I dare you to leave Torquay without buying something.

Either drive in from Warnambool via the Great Ocean road or the city by the sea of Geelong. Flights arrive at Avalon daily (30 mins out of Torquay) but leave your longboard at home. The main carrier has a board size limit of 1.9metres (6’2”)Plenty of hire shops in Torquay though if you need more foam than that.

When all is said and done, few things compare to your first time walking down those famous stairs onto the cold coarse beach – you cast your head to the left and see that sign: ‘..respect each other in the spirit of surfing..’ At that moment you know you are about to do business in great waters.

Bells Lines :: Edwards Saltau

Big Bells :: Rocket Jim