The 1984 Rip Curl Bells contest didn't come up with much in the way of surf, but I can't take my eyes off winner Cheyne Horan's board, with its bulbous rear-end and lethal winged-keel fin. For 30 years now it's been said that Cheyne's insistence on riding bizarre surfcraft cost him a world title—or many world titles—and generally I agree. But watch closely. Does Cheyne not have a slight equipment advantage over fellow finalist and world-champ-elect Tom Carroll? SURFER reporter Derek Hynd picks up the story below.

Young Major Tom could do no wrong. He was plainly a megastar when he rode into the Southern Victoria boomtown of Torquay, wearing a satin cravat in an open black Cadillac, with the nouveau rich of Neoprene Valley showering rubber confetti over their darling, no matter where he directed the chauffeur. Men felt inadequate, Rip Curl femlins swooned, and yobbos rolled their eyes in gutters as the new world champion-elect made his presence felt.

All Tom desired was security, and a small nest egg, when he began his rise through the ranks. His Newport peers knew it was useless to try and match his ability. He sucked their skills in the same manner as a top miler using pacemen. Newport now lies exhausted from the rigors of the world champion's surge. It awaits his millions to rise in peripheral corporations. Jobs for the boys in Carroll Trust Inc, Major Tom's Action Wear, Carroll Reality Pty Ltd, and Tommy Gun Leisure Palaces. The fact of the future. Our very best friend.

Time preserves the Rip Curl Pro. A totally honest event, laced with soul and heritage. The days of Midget, Nat, Wayne, Ted Spencer, Keith Paull and Michael Peterson live on.

The final 16 was settled, with Simon, MR, Banks, Owens, and Dane out. Curren, Laine, Lynch, Winton and Occhilupo were in. Tom Title moved through the field in indifferent one-to-five-foot surf, and made the final by squeezing out Potter. On the other side of the draw, Cheyne stopped Winton in the semis. And in the final he beat Tom, establishing himself as a second-ranked contender for '84-'85, riding a winged keel with increasing appeal.

Curren is waiting, of course. Ready to rise to the Top Five. Potter will surely follow. Careful Major Tom. They just might catch you!

CHEYNE HORAN VS TOM CARROLL, 1984 RIP CURL BELLS FINAL

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