Green dream awaits surfers at carbon-offset Bells

Alex de Vos
The world’s best surfers will compete in a green-tinged Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach next week, according to organisers.
Event manager Mark Flanagan said the 2009 event would have a focus on environmental issues as well as surfing.
The organisers had adopted a “carbon-offset program” at the “waste-wise” event, he said.
“It’s about trying to lessen the impact on the environment and every year we strive to do better.”
Mr Flanagan said other changes this year included a shorter construction period and a condensed competition program.
“We shortened the period it takes to erect the site and have created a gated pathway to the stairs to reduce the impact on recreational surfers.”
Mr Flanagan said the event would run for 11 days instead of 12 under a new Association of Surfing Professionals guideline.
“The new system has its positives because it means surfers don’t get eliminated in the first round. If we take out a round it also increases our chances of getting the best athletes in the best waves.”
Mr Flanagan was “really happy” with the outlook for waves.
“We’ve been experiencing some westerly winds and some swell coming in from the south-west, which is the beneficial surf pattern we’re after.”
The event will include a two-day music festival.