An insightful chronicle tracing the roots of the surf boom and its connection to the Beat Generation and 1960s pop culture. Featuring examinations of original beachcomber personalities like the Waikiki Beachboys to the rise of Venice Beach as a creative centre for music, art and film, this text illustrates why surf culture is a vital art movement of the 20th century. Key figures, both obscure and popular, as well as the full spectrum of the pop culture world, are discussed, from 'beach' movies to the Trashwomen and the Beach Boys.