Portraits Of Surf
A Documentary in Photographs
Portraits Of Surf is a photography project documenting the people of the Surf Coast’s surfing community - surfers, shapers, shop owners and photographers to name a few.
Simple, honest, portraits paired with some information.
If you would like your portrait taken as part of this project or you are interested in becoming involved in any way then please contact me via the form below.
Phil Sutton AKA “Fanbelt”
Lorne Life Saving Club
Phil’s an all round nice guy and during my time with him over a couple of hours, I learnt that he was also a bit of a local legend!
Q “Why do they call you “Fanbelt?”
A “It’s not very exciting really, I would fix up the inflatable rescue boats so people started calling me Fanbelt”
Q “How long have you been apart of club?”
A “I joined in 1976 so best part of 50 years”
Q “What do you do?”
A “I started teaching kids to swim 50 years ago, now I organise and run surf camps, water safety etc”
Q “How many surf camps have you organised?”
A “Roughly 600”
Phil was inducted into the AFL Premiership Players Club at the RACV Club on Thursday 28th August 2025.
Each year the AFL Premiership Players Club inducts 20 premiership players, coaches and officials onto the an Australian postage stamp. The organisation exists to recognise players, coaches and officals who have achieved the ultimate in VFL/AFL football, a premiership.
Phil was honoured in recognition of his 243 VFL/AFL games which included 17 finals and 2 grand finals in 1983 and 1990. He was awarded AFLUA (AFL Umpires Association) Life Memebrship in 1991.
Sergio Gomez
Surfer, shaper, designer and maker.
