Tim Bonython Reflects on 40 Years of Bells Beach

Tim Bonython has recently reflected on his four-decade connection to Bells Beach, a renowned surfing location in Victoria, Australia. This winter has been slow for surfers in the Southern Hemisphere, prompting Bonython to seek out the waves at Bells and its neighboring spot, Winkipop.

Unlike his typical big wave films, this project focuses on the historical significance of Bells Beach, where Bonython began his filming career in 1981. He recalls the pivotal moment when Simon Anderson rode massive waves on a revolutionary three-finned board, known as the thruster, which changed surfing.

To enrich his narrative, Bonython interviewed Chris Ray, a surfer with deep ties to the area since the 1960s, and included insights from surfers Laurie Towner and Torren Martyn. This project serves as a tribute to the legacy of Bells Beach, blending personal history with recent surf experiences.