So often in the surf media we have a tendency to sweat the small things. Who’s going to win the world title? Who’s the most technical backhand tube-rider in the game? Far too much importance is placed on meaningless speculation such as this, and not enough on the big stuff, the truly grand questions of our sport. Like, who’s currently owning the sickest haircuts in pro surfing? Hairstyles have always been an integral part of the sport, and in truth some of our most iconic images owe much of their acclaim to the proud ‘dos on display. Can you imagine MP’s famous cutback without those long locks blown back in the breeze? It would pale in comparison. Luckily we here at Tracks are always focussing on the big issues and so we’ve compiled a definitive list of the best ‘dos doing the rounds right now.
Carlos Munoz
Back in the early nineties, when Costa Rican shredder Carlos Munoz was still in nappies, Rob Machado set the surf world alight with an afro so grand it seemed to defy the laws of physics. Balanced atop his skinny, rubber-limbed frame, the spring-loaded mop looked like it weighed a ton and probably did, but Rob carried it with an effortless grace that matched his silky style and helped him win a legion of fans and wannabe afro-wearers the world over. These days the iconic Californian has traded in his famous fuzz for something that more closely resembles a lion’s mane, but Carlos has gladly stepped up to the plate and kept the afro alive with his own oversized mop. Flowing from dark Latino roots to salty, sun-bleached ends, it’s a hairstyle that’s helped make him one of the most easily identifiable surfers on the planet and comes complete with its own fully functioning eco system.
Jack Robinson
In an era of continuous next-big-things and overblown self-promotion, Jack Robinson retains an aura of enigma and mystique that adds value to his rep and brings to mind some of the qualities of bygone legends. Likewise, his mop, with its blonde beyond blondeness and ruler-sharp edges, shares similar throwback qualities. In fact, the over-accentuated bowl cut he sports could’ve been lifted straight from the head of legendary surf pioneer and eccentric George Greenough. A master tube-rider himself and an ultra-progressive innovator, it’s likely Greenough designed this ‘do for the purpose of keeping the hair out of his eyes in the juice while still providing the added warmth only a salty mop can bring, and no doubt it’s these practical qualities that has led Jack to follow suit as he continues to build a reputation as the best bowl-cutted barrel-rider on the planet.
Mikey Wright
Drawing upon the timeless style of VL Commodore enthusiasts and those who frequented Centrelink in the 80s, Mikey Wright’s mullet is arguably the loudest ‘do in the sport right now. It’s radical, raw and highly marketable, much like his surfing. It’s also quite versatile, as Mikey’s proven by pairing it with a crew cut, a beard, and even an outrageous-looking hybrid of the mohawk and the undercut. Coming from a family of chronic overachievers, one can understand Mikey’s desire to carve out his own path and stand apart from the crowd. With a haircut like his, however, he’s not only set himself apart from his family, but pretty much the rest of the pro surfing world.
Kelly Slater
Despite his age, despite his faltering competitive results, Kelly Slater continues to be the most influential surfer on the planet. Just look at how widely emulated his slick, streamlined hairdo is in the surfing world. Men of all ages, especially those on the upward climb from forty, have adopted Kelly’s ‘do in the hope of improving their wave-riding abilities, and it seems like more are joining them by the day. Kelly’s hairstyle is so enticing, so intoxicating and influential, that more often than not it seems to choose its own followers rather than the other way round, as surfers the world over succumb to the need to imitate the King’s smooth look.
