Watch champions rise from the waves at the Rip Curl Pro
Australia is well known as one of the top surfing destinations in the world, with conditions ideal for both amateur and experienced surfers. This year, the best of the best will converge on Bells Beach in Victoria to compete in one of the highlights of the annual Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP)'s World Championship Tour.
The Rip Curl Pro is back for its 52nd anniversary this year. As one of the oldest and most prestigious professional surfing contests across the globe, you can expect to see great feats from competitors as they battle to take the top spot.
Bells Beach is the ideal showcase for this clash of talent, skill and strength, featuring powerful swells generated by the Great Southern Ocean. Past winners at the event read like a roll call of surfing's greatest names, from Mick Fanning and Kelly Slater to Mark Richards and Stephanie Gilmore, Australia's own five-time ASP Women's World Tour champion. There have only been 32 male winners and 20 female winners in total throughout the event's long and proud history.
"The Rip Curl Pro is back for its 52nd anniversary this year. As one of the oldest and most prestigious professional surfing contests across the globe, you can expect to see great feats from competitors as they battle to take the top spot.
Last year's event was dominated by Adriano de Souza of Brazil and Carissa Moore from Hawaii, but the stage is set for another epic clash in 2014. Only the best male and female surfers compete in the Rip Curl Pro, so it's definitely one of the most anticipated surfing events of the year. Whether you're a fan or a burgeoning surfer yourself, there's no doubt that this year's crop of competitors will put on a glorious show.
The Rip Curl Pro will run from April 16-27 and is the only professional sports event allowed to be held on Easter Friday in Australia. Don't miss out on this exhilarating championship - book your holiday accommodation along the Great Ocean Road to give you a convenient base during your holiday in Victoria.
Mantra Lorne has you covered, offering stylish one- and two-bedroom apartments nestled within 12 acres of lush gardens.