In just a few words, a quote can capture the essence of an era, sum-up an icon, or say something universal about surfing, which still resonates with truth half a century after the words were first uttered. 

A pithy quote might conjure a treasured memory, inspire a hearty chuckle or an earnest nod of approval. Committing a few classic lines to memory always makes good road trip or dinner party conversation.   

In the following snapshot of verbatim from the pages of Tracks, the surfers reach for the profound and risk the profane. The esoteric and the irreverent both find homes in the columns of Tracks, which has never been afraid to explore the various tentacles of surf culture. There are thousands more quotable lines in the Tracks archive (you can check them all out if you subscribe) but hopefully this selection offers a sense of the grand sweep of Tracks history, and a little quick fix escapism because, as Captain Goodvibes once profoundly stated, “Reality is like a shit sandwich. It may not look good but it sure does taste bad.”

“I don’t think I can be beaten in the water. Unless of course someone turns up who’s better than me.” 1975: Michael Peterson

Just by surfing you are supporting the revolution. 1970: Nat Young

Mind, body, soul: surfer, board, wave: Total and complete involvement. Let the mind unshackle, set itself free; Let it stroll, run, leap in gardens of crystal motion and sun and reality. 1968: Bob McTavish, first said in 1968 (Printed in Best of Tracks Vol III.)

Being paid for surfing is complete prostitution. 1967: Bob McTavish, first said in 1967 (printed in Best of Tracks Vol III)   

A mind full of waves has no room for such trivia as presentations and coherent conversation. 1975: Laurie McGinness ...