Tracks made its first drop in 1970 when co-creators, Albe Falzon, David Elfick and John Witzig had a hunch that a surf rag could be the centrifugal force in a rapidly evolving counter-culture movement.
As a broadsheet publication it rapidly became the oracle for surfers seeking coalescence between waves, travel, music alternative living, and rebellious fun – in many ways the blueprint hasn’t changed.
Gliding into the 80s Tracks clung to its counter-culture roots while embracing the nascent era of professional surfing. Idols were ordained, new frontiers explored and fluoro was splashed liberally across covers and ad pages, as Tracks reaffirmed its reputation as the publication that read the pulse of Australia surfing. Hooking into the 90s Tracks dug its toes in as the industry soared, surfers took flight and some guy called Slater owned the decade.
A radical direction change beyond 2000 saw the broadsheet ditched in favour of a smaller, glossier, sexier product, but we never forgot to have fun and these were the glory years of wild parties, exotic world tour destinations, celebrated writers and flamboyant photographers.
As Tracks trims past its 50th year it remains an evolving state of mind, drawing on its eclectic past while reflecting the wonders of the present; always conscious of entertaining its readers as it rides boldly into the surfing future.
