Stephen "Belly" Bell: from Bell's to Bell

Épisode de Inside Eurosima Podcast par Inside Eurosima Podcast · 17 janvier 2024 · 2 h 09 min

Episode #16 (English). Recorded in Soorts on September 7th 2023.

(French version below)

Guest : Stephen « Bell » Belly (Euroglass/Bell Surfing)

(Podcast en anglais) - What could have predicted that a carpenter from Torquay would come to reign over the European surfboard business? Not much, apart from a love of surfing and a taste for adventure…and of course an undeniable talent for business.

Belly was one of the first Australians to come to Hossegor in the 80’s. In those days, though the European surfing industry was barely budding, it was however promising and the local spots were as perfect as they were empty. That is where Belly found perfect balance, spending his days between shaping and the line-ups.

Euroglass was founded in 1990 and would, through the years, become a key player in the surfboard market thanks to business development and a few savvy moves to get licences.

Belly, who was already close to Pierre Agnès, later joined Quiksilver as a team manager and personal assistant to Kelly Slater. This second job sent him on the road for half the year and led him to build a close relationship with the Floridian and the two men developed strong ties professionally and personally.

Today, Belly is diving into yet a new adventure with Bell Surfing, a unique location that offers among other things, a 400m2 shop, a coffee-shop and the all-new Euroglass workshops. This will be yet another challenge for the Australian, who says he’s always and still lives « day by day » but who has clearly demonstrated throughout his incredible career a keen talent as a visionary.

In this 16th episode of Inside Eurosima, Belly talks about his experience through a variety of anecdotes and the characteristic energy and frankness we know him for. From managing licences of famous shapers to behind the scenes life with the Quiksilver pro team as well as his collection of boards and rashguards, the Aussie will tell us his story of a life dedicated to a passion for surfing and business.

This will also be an opportunity to discuss the realities of the board business, from trends in shaping to the risk of being dependent on big clients as well as the responsibilities that come with being a business owner.

This fascinating episode will kick off with the birth of the Bell Surfing adventure, so as always…enjoy the ride!

Editorial production: EUROSIMA

Animation: Romain Ferrand / Rémi Chaussemiche

Technical production: Fred de Bailliencourt

Photo: Stéphane Robin

/// Français \\\

(Podcast en anglais) - Qu’est-ce qui prédestinait un menuisier de Torquay à régner sur le business européen des planches de surf ? Pas grand chose, si ce n’est l’amour du surf, le goût de l’aventure… et un sérieux sens des affaires.

Belly a été l’un des premiers Australiens à débarquer à Hossegor au milieu des années 80. Euroglass sera fondé en 1990 et deviendra au fil des années, de son développement commercial et de quelques sérieuses licences obtenues un acteur incontournable du marché de la planche de surf.

En parallèle, Belly, déjà proche de Pierre Agnès, intégrera Quiksilver en tant que team manager et assistant personnel de Kelly Slater. Un deuxième job qui l’amènera à être sur la route la moitié de l’année, et à développer une relation avec le Floridien dépassant largement le cadre professionnel.

Belly se lance aujourd’hui dans une nouvelle aventure avec Bell Surfing, un endroit mêlant entre autres un shop de 400am2, un coffee-shop et les nouveaux ateliers d’Euroglass. Un challenge de plus pour l’Australien qui évoque son parcours à notre micro en l’illustrant de nombreuses anecdotes, avec le franc-parler et l’énergie qu’on lui connaît.

L’occasion d’aborder les réalités du business de planches, les tendances en matière de shape, le risque de dépendances par rapport à de gros clients ou encore ses responsabilités de chef d’entreprise.

Un épisode passionnant à l’aube de l’aventure Bell Surfing qui débute.

Bonne écoute.

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