The Long Wave Trough had parked itself in perfect position, sending a large long-period sou-west groundswell towards the state, and the weather forecast was superb with light offshore winds and sunny skies.

We're almost bang on the coldest time of the year in the southern states, as far as water temperatures are concerned.

Last Thursday's ruler edge groundswell from the Southern Ocean delivered some the best waves seen in Victoria in many months.

Pulling off the main road he scopes the waves, gets the shots, and is back in his office by the end of the lunch hour. All photos by Steve.

This time of year it's all about Vicco and Bells and the pros who plunder its slopey, wind-affected faces. James Page caught them gorging on a wave that isn't Bells during a session that featured no pros. All photos by James.

The full time goal came in the shape of a solid week of swell

These shots are a bit different from the usual and give a feel of another mellow, country side of Victorian surfing on a decent weather day, at long last.

But Victoria seems more inward and thoughtful