When past Tracks editors are invited to divulge secrets from the inner sanctum, there’s always going to be revelations.

Current Tracks editor custodian Luke Kennedy and DJ Eddy kick off proceedings. Pic: Joli

On a night when past Tracks editors were invited on stage to divulge secrets from the inner sanctum of surfing, there were always going to be startling revelations.

The Tracks editor from 1975-78 ,Phil Jarratt, spoke about what really went down in the Hawaiian winter of 76, a year made famous by the film Busting Down the Door. Phil’s Eddie Aikau impersonation was classic but better still was his explanation of how he convinced Rabbit Bartholomew to throw a reo in the nude, on the August 1976 cover. Let’s just say you had to be there for that one.

Gary Dunne and surf film maker Shagga enjoying a few cold Coopers. Pic: Joli

Gary ‘chocco’ Dunne, the editor in the early 90s, reflected on the time Tracks was banned in Tassi because of an apparently too-detailed description of a sexual act. Meanwhile Gary was also the subject of the juiciest fact extracted from the Tracks editorial vault.

It was left to Neil Ridgway [editor 1994-196] to tell the story of how Gary almost left his post as editor after hooking up with Lisa Anderson. It seems an interview under the auspices of editor led to a liason, which almost led to an invitation to quit Tracks and go on tour with the then women’s world champ. It was put to the crowd on the night that if anyone could top the claim of having had a fling with Lisa Anderson they could approach the stage, to which one spruiker boldly replied, “ My brother hooked up with Pauline Menzcer.”

Luke Kennedy, Phil Jarret and Neil Ridgway (Ed’s convention). Pic: Pic: Joli

While the speeches from past editors inspired much laughter and heckling, the highlight of the night was arguably the dance off between a shirtless, pale-skinned middle-aged man of considerable girth and a skinny blonde grommet who’d seen too many break-dance clips. It was a little like watching Ron Burgundy get down against Brad Pitt. Eventually the judges split the difference and went with a perpetually smiling blonde chick with a mean barefoot shuffle.

Pic: Joli

Winner of the Strapper surfboard dance off, Rell, cutting the rug. Pic: Joli

In the end it was the most fun ever had on a school night. There was also a solemn dimension to the occasion as the crowd payed tribute to the great Michael Peterson. Michael’s brother Tommy was there to help ensure that the spirit of Michael was felt at the party.

The Jim Beam girls ditch the red shorts for a stylish white cocktail number with great affect. Pic: Joli

Thanks to our sponsors, Coopers and Jim Beam for making it a great night and our Isuzu ute for getting us to the party, plus the maxi-taxi driver who put up with us on the way home.

Photog Joli, Jake Paterson and friend (sic). Pic: Mrs Joli

The sweet horse power (thanks to Isuzu) that team Tracks rode in on. Pic: Damian Martin

Gary Dunne and Neil RIdgway with classic RCJ, Kelly and Donny (RIP) cover.

Pic: Joli