Dogtown is to the skate industry what Bells Beach is to surf heritage. But unlike the famous locale of the colorful Z-Boys and their surrounding suburbs, Bells Beach has played host for 55 years to the Rip Curl Pro, an exciting and intriguing atmosphere that draws families and friends of surfers as hurriedly as the competitors and spectators.
It’s easy to overlook athletes as individuals these days, especially when they’re in the limelight with editorials, surf films, competitions and advertisements. This surf competition situated about an hour outside of Melbourne provides a window of opportunity in which athletes can show their true identity, openly displaying their personality and the solid foundations built upon loving family and the friends who allow these surfers to perform at a world-class level.
I feel humbled to have had the opportunity to immerse myself and document the supportive loved ones of athletes as they manage the building pressure of competition together. In this photo series, I captured sincere, memorable moments on the famous Bells Beach stairs, where the athletes set foot on and off the beach and the friends, family, and coaches watch, cheer, and hope.
See more of Raphael’s work on his website.
