The Bells Beach 50 Year Storm Invitational was created to honour local Torquay legend Shaun Brooks. The name is a cheeky reference to the 1991 cult movie, Point Break, where the lead character Bodhi paddles out at Bells in the ‘50-year storm’, never to return. It also alludes to the idea that it’s likely that all of us are going to face a mental health ‘50 Year Storm’ at least once in our lives.

The event aim is to promote the prevention and control of mental illness, particularly by destigmatising mental illness and suicide. Shaun, a former World Junior and Victorian Open champion, took his own life in 2012 after a long battle with mental illness.

The tight-knit Torquay surfing community and surf industry has embraced the event. So far, over $20,000 has been raised to benefit mental health programs in the local community. 

Hoodies are $50 and Tshirts are $30