Article by James Jones
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.
The producers of the film knew they were on to something big and enlisted big stars James Darren and Sandra Dee to star in the movie, with superstar Cliff Robertson in a strong supporting role. The movie featured some surfing footage, but mostly it featured girls in bikinis and well-built guys in surfing trunks.
The popularity of that movie led to many more imitators. In pop music, surf music became huge, with groups like Jan and Dean and the Beach Boys making in to Number One on the charts. About the only teenagers who didn’t like their music were surfers, who really preferred to keep their sport to themselves. Instead, they listened to the music of bands like Dick Dale and the Ventures. The fast-paced guitar licks in instrumentals like “Perfidia” and “Walk, Don’t Run” were what they listened to before they tackled the waves.
Nothing could stop the rising popularity of surfing, though. By the early sixties, surfing was a fad. Those who were lucky enough to live within driving distance of the beach were learning to surf. Those who were not so lucky started wearing surf fashion.
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.
Surfwear is not just for surfers anymore. You can find it in the most far-flung corners of the world. From the limited apparel of the sixties, the range of surfing related clothing and accessories has grown to include all kinds of men’s and women’s clothing, shoes and even watches and jewelry. Today, you can be dressed for any occasion in surfing brands and styles.
Gidget must be proud of her legacy, but she may be bewildered, as well. How could she have imagined that surfers today enjoy million dollar contracts with surf clothing companies and are counted amongst the world’s sports superstars? Believe it or not, Gidget, that’s what’s happened!
About the Author
Find great deals on surf clothes by shopping online. There you will find the many choices for surf clothing that you have to choose between. Head online today.