Tree of Coaching

In the fifties, surfing was almost unknown by the general community. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, everybody wanted to go surfing or at least have an association with the lifestyle. Suddenly, a new style of surf clothing began to be seen, even in midwestern states far from the waves. What happened?

Contrary to popular belief, it was not the Beach Boys who first brought surfing into the limelight. It was the little-known true story of a surfer girl by the name of “Gidget” that started it all. The book, written by her father, was published in 1957. The film rights were sold and in 1959, a movie by the same name was released.

James Darren and Sandra Dee starred in the film, supported by another big star of the era, Cliff Robertson. With its stellar cast and bevies of beautiful bikini clad girls and muscle built surfers, it was a sure hit. Not only that, but it captured the imagination of a generation, all of whom wanted to be a part of free and easy surfing life.

Other movies were made and before long, groups like Jan and Dean and the Beach Boys started producing hit singles. Interestingly, real surfers hated those movies and the “surf music, ” because they liked having the waves to themselves. They preferred listening to the guitar music of the Ventures and Dick Dale and the Deltones. They would listen to driving instrumental songs like “Walk, Don’t Run” and “Perfidia” to get themselves psyched before going surfing.

There was nothing that surfers could do to stop the rise of surfing. By the sixties, surfing was on the map and everybody wanted to be a surfer. Those who lived near the beach started surfing, while those who didn’t started dressing like surfers.

In those early years, men’s surf trunks and girl’s bikinis were the only “official” surfwear accessories. Over the years, entire ranges of surfing gear were designed and marketed by surfwear companies, a few of which have become giants in the sports apparel industry.

Today, you can find surfwear being worn just about anywhere in the world. It runs the gamut from board shorts and bikinis to shoes, shorts, pants, shirts and even socks. Girls styles include tank tops, blouses, skirts, miniskirts and dresses. In fact, many surfers find enough styles to choose from that they wear nothing else but surf wear.

Surf clothing has come a long way, as has the sport of surfing. Once considered a fringe sport, the top stars now command multi-million dollar contracts and surf industry giants vie for their sponsorship. One wonders what Gidget would think.

Find great prices on surf clothes by heading online. There you will find the many choices for surf clothing that you have to choose between. Head online today.