Rip Curl Pro 2011 Great Forecast For Bells

In: Rip Curl Pro 2011 by Craig Brokensha 7 Comments Thu 14th Apr '11

Tags: torquay , Bells Beach , Rip Curl Pro , Craig Brokensha

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Next week the 50th anniversary of the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach will begin, with high expectations for both the contest and the waves. Adding to the excitement surrounding the gold anniversary is a hive of activity showing up on the weather charts in the Southern Ocean next week.

Bells Beach is a fickle beast, with a dependance on large swells often resulting in the competition shifting away from its spiritual home. A move to Woolamai in 2005 and to 13th Beach and Johanna last year are two recent examples. But when the Southern Ocean is up and roaring, the Surf Coast provides some of the best waves in Victoria.

The contest window kicks off next Tuesday, and the westerly storm track is expected to move into gear just in time. A progression of cold fronts will push up towards Victoria from late Sunday onwards, generating a series of strong groundswells for the first half of the waiting period. Late Tuesday should see the first signs of new energy, building further Wednesday ahead of a solid six foot swell on Thursday that'll swing nicely into the Bells Bowl.

One of the great things about the Surf Coast is its coastal alignment - under such strong frontal progressions, winds are frequently offshore from the north-west. This should be the case Wednesday and Thursday with clean waves expected at Bells Beach; its natural amphitheatre offering a great viewing platform.

Anticipation is deservedly high among those keeping an eye on the upcoming contest, and hopefully we see great waves and surfing for the 50th gold anniversary.

For a more detailed analysis of the outlook for the Torquay region during the contest check out the Victorian forecast this Friday and further on Monday and Wednesday next week. //CRAIG BROKENSHA

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