The Bells Beach comp is one of the most prestigious, beloved and controversial events on the world tour. It definitely has the coolest trophy. To be honest I’ve always had a bit of a love hate relationship when it comes to the Bells Beach comp. Now don’t get me wrong, I’d certainly love to surf those lovely picture perfect right handers myself, but as far as ASP, excuse me WSL events go, I don’t really find it the most exhilarating of viewing. M.R himself is quoted as saying ‘’It’s the most over-rated mushburger on the tour.’’ This despite his long and special relationship with the place.
That said, in this modern dominated by areal surfing, far out the reach of weeknder hacks like me, it is rather refreshing to see some good old open face, power surfing which those big smooth Victoria walls seem to lend themselves to so well. I guess bells is one of the few contests where you can watch the likes of Parko or Fanning drawing a beautiful arcing carve, and every now and then you might catch yourself thinking, ‘gee I might be able to do that…’ Don’t fret. It’s okay to indulge in a little self deception sometimes.
There certainly is lot of talk about some of the rookies this year. Rookies and Brazilians. On that note, Matt Banting is looking shit hot I must say. This despite his round three loss to lone Saffer Jordy in that terrible waved starved affair that was the Quick Pro Gold Coast. Newbie Italo Ferreira has also got a lot of people talking. Goofys have traditionally struggled at Bells though, unless you’re Occy who I have no doubt can surf it blindfolded. How about that Wiggoly Dantas kid? As well as having by far the coolest name on the tour right now he is certainly dispelling the myth about Brazilians lacking in style and flow.
Traditionally, airs and Bells don’t seem to go together too well, as long as you disregard Kelly’s ridiculous Hail Mary air reo back in 2012. Power and flow. So the aforementioned middle aged men then: Parko, reigning champ Fanning, and of course Kelly, no doubt pissed off as all hell following his unheard of round 3 exit at Snapper. Big boy Jordy aught to be considered. Bourez too, particularly if it’s size. Perhaps we might see a re-invention of Jeremy Flores?
Medina? Nah.
Do Souza? Double Nah.
Suddenly I actually find myself feeling a little exited over this whole Bells affair. The forecasts aught to start rolling in in the next day or two… Ring a ding ding.