The great Phil Jarratt did for Aussie surf media in the mid-'70s what the equally-great Drew Kampion did for American surf media in the late '60s—meaning, each man reshaped the whole enterprise in their image. Which was mostly to surfing's benefit, as Phil (with Tracks) and Drew (with SURFER) were both equal parts sharp, funny, and insubordinate, and both had a platinum-level gift for wordcraft. They still do.

"Tracks Awards for '74," from that year's December issue, is a one-page throwaway by Jarratt. He was (and may well still be) the fastest gun in surf writing and no doubt banged this one between lunch and beer-thirty. I'm posting it here for two reasons. One, it's a quick-sketch little time capsule; and two, it highlights another talent Phil and Drew both have, which is to easily and often bounce the sport off of sources outside of surfing.

Jarratt's "Awards" intro reads as follows: "We just couldn't let 1974 pass quietly into history without taking a fond look back on the people and events of the last 12 months. So here they are, this year’s awards. You winners who find it hard to laugh at yourself—well, we love you anyway and jeez, we hope we spelled your name right."

 Col Smith, for unlimited services rendered in the casualty room of the Collaroy Surf Club.

 Midget Farrelly, for breaking his ankle in a hang-gliding accident just before this year's Australia pro contests.

AWARD FOR ADVANCING THE CAUSE OF MALE CHAUVINISM:

 is rescued by a nipper on a two-foot day at Whale Beach.

 David "The Mexican" Sumpter's gala champagne press preview for his film 

 Bob Evans, for yet another surfing movie, 

 "Rock and Roll Animal," Lou Reed; "Bad Company," Bad Company; "Dark Side of the Moon," Pink Floyd; "Boomer's Story," Ry Cooder; "Maria Muldaur," by Maria Muldaur; "461 Ocean Boulevard," Eric Clapton.

TIME MACHINE: "TRACKS AWARDS FOR '74"

Subscribe or Login

Subscribe or Login

Encyclopedia of Surfing

History of Surfing

Interviews

Features

The Sunday Joint