Torquay, Home To The Surfing Capital Of Australia And Bells Beach

Torquay is situated at the very start of the Great Ocean Road. It is not the official beginning but the actual coastal road begins here. If you are intending on a trip down Victoria's Great Ocean Road then in all probability you will begin your journey in Torquay.

Torquay is not the place it used to be. When I was a teenager and living and surfing in Torquay there was a resident population of around 3000 people. Today it is around the 12,000 mark and growing. It is a thriving community, almost a satellite of Geelong some ten minutes away yet still retains that seaside feel, perhaps due to the fact that much of its population surfs. It's about 80 kilometres from Melbourne which makes it a popular destination for people living in Melbourne. How better to destress from work than by having a few days relaxing by the sea. And if you are a surfer then that will be a bonus.

Torquay is at the very heart of surfing in Australia. It is the unofficial capital of surfing in this country and has earned this reputation for a very good reason: Bells Beach.

Bells Beach is simply awesome. It can be very playful when small and scare the pants off you when it gets big. And it can get very, very big. Every Easter the world surfing titles are held at Bells Beach. They are held at this time of the year because this is when we have a full moon and king tides at the same time. This results, more often than not, in a very big ocean swell. This swell is generated far out to sea and travels enormous distance before it explodes over the reef at Bells with thundering applause.

The winner of the Bells surfing competition at Easter receives a big bell trophy and must ring it as loudly as possible. This year's winner was so enthusiastic that he broke the bell in doing so. Adriana De Souza was the first South American to ever win this event in its 52 year history. He is from Brazil.

Bells Beach is very much on the tourist trail these days. Tourists just love to watch surfers out in big surf. It is often the first time many of them have ever seen surfing and you can imagine how amazing it must look. If you are reading this article because you are planning a trip along the Great Ocean Road then please make sure you spend a few days in Torquay and if you are lucky you just might get to see some of the biggest surfable waves in the world. Happy Surfing!

Here is where I let you know where to stay in Torquay. There are numerous options available from bed and breakfasts to caravan parks to new resorts. Have a look at this site which deals specifically with Torquay accommodation.

Article Source: Mark_C_O'Loughlin

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Top Surfing Beaches of Costa Rica

Surfing beaches aren't usually the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Costa Rica. Colourful wildlife, abundant lush green forest and sandy beaches are closer to the mark. But, don't miss out on another great part of the country - surfing.

The Northern Pacific Coast provides the best, most reliable waves from December to April when strong offshore winds combine with the ideal swell directions. Beginners can enjoy riding the waves at Tamarindo, while other good breaks include Witches Rock, Playa Negra and Playa Grande.

Tamarindo provides the ideal location for those looking to do a variety of activities. Aside from surfing there are many activities on offer, including snorkelling, scuba diving, river kayaking and sailing. Besides, you can also enjoy jungle river cruises or watch the giant leatherback turtles which come here to nest between October and March. Tamarindo Beach is easy to reach with daily flights and buses leaving from San José.

The Caribbean Coast is ideal for surfers travelling from November to March. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, offers crystal-clear blue waters and Costa Rica's heaviest and best wave: Salsa Brava.

Suitable for only the very experienced, this reef break is extremely popular with locals, expats and tourists alike, so expect crowds throughout the week. The nearby beach break at Playa Cocles and reef break at Punta Uva offer suitable, reliable and exciting breaks for less experienced surfers. Getting to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is relatively easy. Take a bus or shared shuttle from San José or fly to nearby Limón.

The quiet Southern Pacific Coast offers the most reliable waves for those travelling between May and November. Few tourists travel to this part of Costa Rica making it ideal for those with their own equipment and looking for a relaxing trip.

The easy going, small surf town of Domincal has a beautiful beach stretching for one and a half kilometres. It has right and left breaks suitable for surfers of all abilities and with many accommodation options, it makes for the perfect holiday location. Cabo Matapolo is another option. Surrounded by jungle, it is often described as one of the most beautiful, untouched places left in Costa Rica, with wildlife everywhere you look: monkeys, anteaters and scarlet macaws. There are lodges but no shops or services.

Unless travelling by collective taxi from Jiménez, a 4*4 is needed - the last 12 miles of road is unpaved with a series of deep cracks to cross. The journey is worth it though, with two world-class breaks in the area as well as Pan Dulce for beginners.

Costa Rica tours can include anything you want, surfing is just the tip of the iceberg. Click the following link for the best Costa Rica vacation packages

Article Source: Matt_James_Barker