Sophie – Bell

For those of us that don’t know you - introduce yourself!

My name is Sophie and I was born and raised in South Africa. I’m just a girl, I’m 24 years old and I surf a lot. I grew up on a Sugar Cane farm and moved to a little town called Salt Rock when I was 13 and that’s when I really got into surfing.

How would you describe your journey in surfing so far? From where you started out to where you are now.

My journey has been interesting. Nobody else in my family surfs so I never got pushed into it. I grew up going to the beach on weekends because my Dad was a big fisherman and apparently I got hooked on surfing when I was 10. I used to do all the junior contests while I was in school but when I finished, I knew I didn’t want to compete. I ended up going to Indo during COVID and that’s when Vans ZA picked me up, three years ago. It was my first proper sponsor. Ever since then it’s been some of the best times of my life surfing, learning and meeting everyone on the team. I’m so grateful to be where I am and want to make the most of doing what I love right now. I am honoured to be riding for Vans Europe now as well, I can’t wait to go and surf in Europe.

What have you been up to recently?

I’m just at home right now thinking about what to do next, we’re going into summer now so the waves are going to be average. I stayed home this year to surf and film around South Africa because I’ve never really done that. It’s been challenging, the waves are definitely not perfect like Indo or the tropics and it’s really hard to score good days but it’s rewarding when we do. It’s been nice getting used to surfing in colder water climates like Cape Town. So yeah, thinking about where to go now - I’m craving a trip!

How would you describe your local scene?

My hometown is like a little beach town, it’s really chill around here. It’s warm all year round and there’s nice coffee shops, alright nightlife and good food joints. Everybody knows everybody, kind of. I love home and all the people here - it’s a close community and I’m grateful to have grown up here. Most of my friends my age are all living and working overseas now though so I’m pretty keen to get out of here for a bit…

How would you describe the women’s surf scene in SA?

I’m excited to see women’s surfing evolve in South Africa over the next few years. There are so many more girls surfing than when I started out – it’s really cool to see. When I’m in Cape Town sometimes there’s more girls than boys in the water and it never used to be like that. Even where I live there’s this whole girl gang who just surf and hang all day, it’s so nice to see them having the best time growing up around here being in the water all day.

How do see the surf scene in Africa developing generally?

There has been more awareness about surfing in Africa in the last few years for sure. There’s projects like Mikey and Zelti Feb’s JuJu surf club in Ghana and beyond that have raised awareness to these communities where they’ve inspired to locals to go surf as a means of empowerment and have helped provide them with equipment etc.

There’s another organization in Mozambique which is also inspiring people in the community to go surf which is really cool. Africa is huge and it’s rarely been touched so there’s still so much opportunity to spread the surf/skate lifestyle in these communities. I personally hope I can go visit some of these countries; I’d love to go and surf more waves around Africa, it’s a big dream of mine.

Favourite waves at home?

Going to the South Coast in wintertime. There is also this reef break called Tiffanys Infront of my house, that’s a weird wave that I love to surf.

Talk us through your experiences in Hawaii?

Honestly, it was the first year I got on Vans and when my team manager called me and told me I was in the Pipe comp I nearly had a heart attack. I’m so grateful I got to experience Hawaii that year, it was the best trip - I’ll never forget it. I really enjoy the waves there; I have a deep love for that place and those waves and all the people over there.

On boards, talk us through the boards you have been riding recently?

I normally just ride thrusters from Channel Islands. Lately I’m addicted to the Bobby quad though. I think I might have to get myself one of Mikey’s new fish models, it’s time I start trying different boards from surfers that I rate.

How would you describe the vibe within the Vans team??

I’m grateful to have done a trip with Ainara (Aymat) last year and get to know her, she’s coming out here to South Africa soon so I can’t wait to reconnect. Hoonie (Hanna Scott) also came to visit this year and that was definitely a highlight of my year. Ainara and Hoonie are the best - I have so much respect for them. I’m thankful that Vans gives us these opportunities to hang and surf with people from all over, it’s the most fun.

How do you find filming as a creative outlet?

I haven’t released a solo part yet but I hope to produce something I’m proud of. It’s honestly all kind of new to me and it’s definitely been a big learning process so yes, I’m figuring out where I’m going with my clips.

Who are your role models in and outside of surfing?

On the women’s side, for sure Frankie Harrer and Laura Enever. Frankie’s clips at Teahupo’o were next level and she’s the coolest mum figure and yet still charges. Laura also surfs the most psycho waves all over the world which is really inspiring. They’re both really down to earth people as well. On the men’s side, definitely Noa Deane! Koby Abberton was also a big inspiration to me when I met him surfing in Bali.

Interests outside of surfing?

Surfing is my main interest for now. I really love music and taking pictures and yoga. I always thought I’d have a small business one day too so we will see.

What advice would you have to girls that are starting out in surfing?

Do it because you love it and just have fun.

Any last words?

Learn to be where your feet are and keep pushing.