Stephen Bell, affectionately known as 'Belly,' has been a driving force in the surfing and watersports world for over three decades. His journey began in Victoria, Australia, where his passion for waves and craftsmanship took root. But it was his move to the vibrant French coast that solidified his legacy.In 1990, Belly founded Euroglass, which quickly became a cornerstone of the surf industry. Combining European sophistication with Australian surf culture, he created a unique identity that revolutionised surfboard design and production. His relentless drive to innovate played a pivotal role in shaping the brand now known as BELL.
Stephen Bell’s journey is inseparable from his collaborations with some of the biggest names in surfing. From working alongside Quiksilver to develop cutting-edge technical products, to shaping boards for surfing icon Kelly Slater, Belly’s influence reached global heights. His mentorship extended to young talent like Leonardo Fioravanti and watersport legend Robby Naish, creating a bridge between generations of athletes. His factory in Hossegor wasn’t just a production facility—it became an unofficial embassy for the world’s top surfers during World Tour events. Here, Australian surfers discovered secret sandbars, gained invaluable insights, and found new boards that pushed their performance to the next level.
Stephen Bell’s move to the French coastline was not just a relocation—it was a transformation. The world-class waves of Hossegor became the proving ground for his high-performance surfboard designs, solidifying his position as a leader in the industry. Over time, the vision of Euroglass evolved, culminating in the launch of the BELL brand. BELL is a reflection of Belly’s decades of experience, blending technical innovation with the elegance of European design and the laid-back spirit of Australian surf culture. Today, BELL stands as a global movement, offering products that empower adventurers to embrace the thrill of the journey and 'Make the Next Move.'
Belly brings a delivery of boards to Lahinch Surf Shop a couple of times each year. We can take custom board orders for inclusion in those deliveries to our premises. Belly takes orders for custom: Bradley, Grace, Mark Richards and Sharpeye surfboards in addition to the "off the shelf" options.