April 1971 - Cyclones

Cyclone swells were already a thing, half a century ago. A barometric chart with its lineal swirls, featuring the Oz east coast, works surprisingly well as a cover. Inside an article gives a complete scientific break-down on cyclones – intense, clock-wise-spinning low-pressure systems that form in the Coral Sea and send hypnotic, ribbons of swell spooling towards the Queensland points. In the ‘Design’ section there is a detailed discussion about boards built purely for speed, while a different article looks at various hypotheticals on the ‘perfect surf contest.’ Steve Cooney suggest it should be held at eight-foot tubing Lennox and would love to see 360 degree turns. Garth Murphy wants Aboriginal judges and a first-place prize of roasted goanna. Meanwhile, things get a little celestial on the ‘Sounds’ page where Pink Floyd’s music is described as ‘space music for us space beings.’