Midget Farrelly was winning surf contests around the world and teenagers were flocking to the beaches to try the sport for themselves. While Dick Dale, The Beach Boys, The Chantays and The Surfaris were releasing classic singles like Pipeline, Wipeout and Surfin’ Safari in the U.S, a handful of local bands were developing a homegrown soundtrack for the action

The Denvermen – Surfside – HMV Records

The Denvermen formed in 1961 and quickly drew attention around Sydney for their distinctive and polished sound. The band had a family connection to a local music store and so had access to the latest equipment including an Echolette effects unit which quickly set them apart. In 1962 the New Zealand born pop star Johnny Devlin became their manager. Their first single was unsuccessful but their second, Surfside, with its sampled surf SFX throughout was picked up by local DJ’s and hit number one on the Sydney charts in January of 1963.

The Atlantics – Bombora – CBS Records

The band named themselves after a brand of petrol (rather than the ocean) several years before they began developing their surf sound. A bona fide classic, Bombora was their second single and it was produced by Sven Libaek who knew it was a hit the moment he heard it. Oddly enough for a surf track it was released jn the middle of winter 1963. Its success saw it released overseas in countries like Japan, England and South America. It was single of the week in Cashbox magazine upon its release in the U.S.

Stompin’ At Maroubra – Little Pattie – HMV Records

Songwriting team Joe Halford and Jay Justin came up with this hit for Little Pattie at the end of 1963. The Stomp was a dance craze popular at surf clubs and beaches around the country. Johnny Devlin, Jimmy Hannan and Tony Brady were just a few of the stars of the day who released stomp singles in late ’63 and into 1964. The other side of the single was the memorable He’s My Blonde Headed Stompie Wompie Surfer Boy. Pattie was only 14 when the record was released.

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