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Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Women's Surf Contest Information:

STEPHANIE GILMORE RINGS THE BELL! THE 2008 WOMEN'S RIP CURL PRO BELLS BEACH

Stepanie Gilmore wins over Sofia Mulanovich in the 2008 Women's Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. Surf Photo ASP Tostee

Monday, Mar. 24, 2008 – Rip Curl Women's Pro Bells Beach: Reigning ASP Women’s World Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) has defeated 2004 ASP Women’s World Champion Sofia Mulanovich (PER) to claim the 2008 Rip Curl Women’s Pro presented by Ford Fiesta in classic four-to-six foot (2 metre) surf at Bells Beach today.

Event No. 2 of 8 on the 2008 ASP Women’s World Tour, the Rip Curl Women’s Pro final was a repeat showdown of last year’s event, where Gilmore and Mulanovich squared off for the first time at Bells Beach. Today’s victory marks the second consecutive Rip Curl Women’s Pro win for Gilmore, who jumps from equal 9th to No. 2 on the ratings. More... Rip Curl Women's Pro Bells Beach on Pro Surfing...

Rip Curl Women’s Pro BELLS BEACH QUARTERFINALS SET • dAY 5

Saturday, Mar. 22, 2008 – Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach: The world’s best surfers took to the lineup this afternoon to battle it out in clean three foot (1 metre) waves on offer at Bells Beach as the Rip Curl Women’s Pro presented by Ford Fiesta ran through Round 3 of competition, determining the eight remaining Quarterfinalists.

Stop No. 2 of 8 on the 2008 ASP Women’s World Tour, the Rip Curl Women’s Pro has showcased the undeniable talents of the world’s best surfers over the past few days, and with three ASP Women’s World Champions as well as four past winners of the ASP Women’s World Tour event at Bells Beach remaining in the draw, the finale of the 2008 Rip Curl Women’s Pro is shaping up to be an impressive affair.

Surfing Photo: Seven-time ASP Women's World Champion Layne Beachley (AUS) took top honors during Round 3 action at the Rip Curl Women's Pro presented by Ford Fiesta today. Credit ASP Tostee

Rip Curl Women's Pro Bells Beach Day 5 Full Story...

Rip Curl Women's Pro Bells Beach Contest Information

GPS Coordinates: 38º20’ S, 144º19’ E

Port of Arival: Melbourne Avalon Airport, Geelong (GEX)

TRANSPORTATION: Rent a car. Jan Juc and Torquay are an hour away from Melbourne and a half hour from the nearest domestic airport. The Bells Bowl is a decent little drive from even the nearest accommodation and there ain’t anything warm about the joint around Easter.

ATTITUDE: Something about Bells really brings out the serious side in the competitors. Maybe it’s the cold water, maybe it’s the historical aura of the place or the early rush to rack up ratings points… whatever it is, The Bowl lights a seriously competitive fire under the girls. Because there’s not a whole lot to distract the Top 17 in Torquay the level of competition can catapult to new heights when the waves cooperate.

THE WAVE: Bells Beach is comprised of several breaks, The Bowl, Outside Bells, Rincon, Centreside, Southside and Winkipop among them. Outside Bells is the main break that produces a long, fast, even wall when it gets above six foot. The Bowl is the steep final section of the wave, and just east of The Bowl, Winki runs over a stretch of reef producing a quick, hollow wave that often surpasses conditions at Bells proper.

PERKS: The April holding period opens Bells up to a great swell window, and the potential for excellent surf is always strong. Torquay at Easter is a tradition for many… you want action, we got action. You want bands, we got bands. Looking to get in a little trouble, we could probably arrange something.

PERILS: It’s frosty people. The water temp’s bad enough, but add in Bells’ geographic proximity to Anarctica and you’ll get an idea of how cold it can get..

APRES SURF: Although the place can be a little sleepy little burg, we bring the party to town. Expect the surfers to share a big night or two with the locals at the Torquay Hotel or

LOCAL LIBATION: It’s all about the beer at Bells.

EAT AT: The Torquay Hotel is a pretty good feed.

CAFFEINATE AT: Spooners and Soul Fuel steam a mean flat white and are just steps away from Surf Shop Central - a.k.a. the Rippy, Quik, Roxy, Bong, Cult et. al arena. Grab a cuppa and get your shop on!

ASP WOMEN’S WORLD TOUR HISTORY: Even though the boys have enjoyed some 35 consecutive years of Bells Beach action, the women’s portion of proceedings have been rather stop and go. Bottom line, the Bowl is on the ladies’ calendar in 2007 and they couldn’t be happier about it!