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Tracks 50th Anniversary Issue: Get It While It’s Hot

Sweet echoes of the past and a look down the barrel into surfing's future.

When John Witzig, Albe Falzon and David Elfick collaborated to produce the first issue of Tracks in October of 1970 they felt the restless hum of surfers who craved a sharp, entertaining, and bold take on the counter culture movement they sensed they were a part of. Half a century later Tracks is still delivering a unique take on the essence of what it means to lead a lifestyle that centres around surfing. At some point along the way almost every Australian surfer absorbed Tracks into their DNA. Even if they didn’t keep reading the spirit of the title stayed with them.

Read the interview with Tracks Co-founder, John Witzig, in the 50th-anniversary issue.

As a creative force, the title has taken surfers to exotic corners of the globe, helped usher in major social change, and made readers laugh out loud; all the while chartering the evolution of surfing as both a vibrant subculture and a professional sport. Tracks is not merely a surfing magazine it’s part of the fabric of the Australian identity.

Celebrated writer and former Tracks editor, Phil Jarratt, charts the evolution of the surf industry.

Figuring out how to celebrate 50 years was no easy task, given the scope of what has transpired in surfing over that time frame, but we are confident we have produced an issue that certainly does justice to the spirit of Tracks. Curated as a subtle blend of past and present glories, the issue should let you dip into a sweet sense of nostalgia while also tapping into surfing’s zeitgeist. In a year where the world has been in the shadow of a COVID curse Tracks’ 50th year is certainly something worth celebrating. Get your hands on a piece of history that will make you smile. And yes, Captain Goodvibes does make a comeback! 

Rasta drops in to discuss sharks, twin fins, simple living, surf history, drinking scotch, and and giant, backyard slippery dips.

Read the compelling back story behind Chris Lougher’s monumental ride at Deadman’s. 
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SUBSCRIBE TO TRACKS
A bi-monthly eclectic tome of tangible surfing goodness that celebrates all things surfing, delivered to your door!
SUBSCRIBE NOW
HAPPENINGS
Your portal to cultural events happening in and around the surfing sphere.
Find Events

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Get full access to every feature from our print issues, read classic Tracks issues from the 70s, 80s and 90’s, watch all of our classic films & more …

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Get full access to every feature from our print issues, read classic Tracks issues from the 70s, 80s and 90’s, watch all of our classic films & more …

CLASSIC ISSUES

A threat to Angourie, the death of vibes, and a tongue in cheek guide on how to become a surf star.

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YEAR: 2008
STARRING: JOEL PARKINSON, MICK FANNING AND DEAN MORRISON

This is the last time the original cooly kids were captured together and features some of their best surfing.

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PRINT STORE

Unmistakable and iconic, the Tracks covers from the 70s & 80s are now ready for your walls.

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