Hi forum,
Thanks in advance for any useful information or advice I can get on this question.
A conference is putting me in Melbourne through the middle of April. I wanted to get down to Torquay to surf Bells, Winki, and any good nearby breaks. Unfortunately, the Rip Curl Pro is going on during the time I'll be there.
Dates I'll be able to surf: April 10 - 17, 2017
Dates of contest: April 12 - 24, 2017
(1) Is Bells and/or Winki open to public surfing during the contest?
(2) How are the crowds, both in and out of the water?
(3) How is the traffic on the great ocean road during the contest?
(4) Is the contest worth sticking around to watch? (I 100% would rather surf myself if there are good waves open nearby.)