Bells through a local lens

JEFF Sweeney and his family have been part of the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach for as long as he can remember.

From childhood trips down the bulldozed gravel track his father helped create in the early 1960s, to surfing in the lineup as a grom and later assisting the world’s best on a jet ski, Sweeney has experienced the event from every angle.

The Sweeney family’s connection to the surfing classic spans more than six decades.

Jeff’s father, Joe Sweeney, began crafting the Bells trophies in the 1970s. A carpenter by trade, teacher and Olympic wrestler, Joe worked alongside Rod Brooks and Stan Couper to shape some of the first bells.

With his father’s blessing, Jeff has carried on the tradition for the past 11 years, drawing on his own boat-building background to add a personal touch to what he describes as “the most sought-after trophy on tour”.

In the lead-up to this year’s event, Sweeney has again been busy in his workshop preparing the trophies for their eventual winners.

The Jan Juc resident will also be driving the skis during the competition, offering what he calls “the best view possible” of the world’s best surfers in action.

 

Reflecting on his family’s long association with Bells, Jeff speaks with pride.

“Dad was apart of the initial Bells events when it all started, and obviously shared that incredible connection through making the trophies and paving the track extension into Bells,” Jeff said.

“He’d bring me down to the event and I’d just be in awe. The Bells car park was gravel and mud and we’d just hang out and enjoy. We’d line the cliff tops and get the best vantage point.

“For me, I started going in the trials events at Bells when Quiksilver ran them in the 90s, and it was so great to compete on that scale.

“It’s just an iconic place for us. I had a few other good competition results out at Bells, and it holds a special place in my heart.”

He said there are plenty of vantage points for spectators to take in the action this Easter.

“I’m incredibly lucky to see it on the ski, particularly when it’s big – it’s so exciting,” he said.

“For the average punter, the stand at Winkipop is amazing to watch from. You get a really great oversight of the whole arena.

“Obviously getting onto the beach has incredible energy. Getting up close with the pro surfers is a pretty cool feeling.

“Otherwise you hang in the car park, watch on the big screen or a jump in a special grandstand if you can.

“Bells is like a big party. It’s social, it’s fun and everyone is up and about.”