In the 70s, surfing came of age, commercialised and went professional. Companies like Quiksilver, Billabong and Rip Curl all started in this decade, the short board revolution was well underway and boards were getting smaller and more radical. There was a proper surf film and media industry developing, and the first pro tour started.

There had been contests before but there hadn’t been a properly organised tour. Peter Townend, better know as PT, won that first tour and was crowned the first pro world champion, despite not winning a single event!

“Peter Townend, better know as PT, won that first tour and was crowned the first pro world champion, despite not winning a single event!”

The Australians led the charge in those early days: As well as PT, Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew and Mark Richards dominated along with South African Shaun Thomson. They helped galvanise the world tour and turn it into something properly worldwide with stops in Hawaii, Australia, The USA, Europe and South America.