general information

Before the right-handers at Bells wrap themselves around the point and into the beach, the swell hits Centre Side, located directly out from the Bells Beach headland. This right-hand reef break commonly known as ‘Centres’ is a quality wave, but it’s often forgotten about due to its high profile neighbours to the east - Bells and Winki.

When it’s small, two to three foot (waist to head high) Centres is a fun wave often ridden by intermediate surfers and long-boarders. The waves are often short and a bit gutless at this size. When it reaches four to six foot (double overhead), the waves can start to really pump. They break fast and with power, there are barrels and lots of opportunities for big turns. Once the waves reach over six foot (double overhead), it starts to close out and becomes unsurfable.

Quite often the surf at Centre’s can be rather unpredictable. The take-off point will shift constantly, and even when one wave breaks perfectly for 100m, the very next one is just as likely to close out.   

You can either park at Bells and walk around to Centre Side, or park on top of the Bells headland (you can also check the surf from up here), go down the stairs on the west side of the point, and walk past South Side to Centres. Both car parks require the same amount of walking.

While Centre Side is not in the same league as Bells or Winki Pop, it is still a wave well worth surfing, especially considering the lower numbers in the water up here.

BT