The Rip Curl Pro is one of the oldest continuously running contests in surfing, started in 1973 by Rip Curl as the Easter Classic, it has grown into one of the must win events for any pro surfer.

The wave its self is a classic long right reef, not super hollow but very manoeuvre friendly, and the whole beach provides a natural amphitheater for surf.

To the world the beach became famous in the movie Point Break when Patrick Swayze’s character Bodhi paddled out for his last wave. It doesn’t actually get that big, but it is capable of throwing up huge surf for the contest which makes for challenging conditions.

Who to watch out for?.

A goofy footer hasn’t won here since the legendary Occy way back in 1998, so it really favours the forehand surfer and with it being a tight tactical wave, experience counts when picking off the best scoring rides.

Last years winner Brazilian Adriano De Souza is one to watch out for, along with the power surfers Joel Parkinson, Mick Fanning and Kelly Slater. Whoever gets to ring the legendary Bell on the trophy will join an exclusive club of legends of the sport.

2013 Bells Beach Highlights Video:

How to watch?

The whole of the tour is broadcast live on a free webcast, just go to www.aspworldtour.com and follow the link.

Victoria is GMT +10, so that means you need to get the coffee on for a long late night. The event runs typically over the best three days of the holding period.