80's Tracks Cover Art
April, 1984
April, 1984
Want a 10% discount? Become a member by taking out a Tracks Mag subscription.
Couldn't load pickup availability
Tracks Cover Art – The Next Best Thing to a Surfing Time Machine
A Tracks cover always stirs up a heady dose of welcome nostalgia. At a glance the images can transport you to another time and place, evoking feelings and memories connected to your favourite surfing icons or most treasured surfing experiences. The alchemy of stellar photography, cutting-edge design, and catchy text lines make the covers timeless pieces of pop art. Hang them on the wall at home or work, or purchase one as a gift that won’t disappoint. Hell, grab a few and dedicate a whole wall to these perfect timestamps of surfing history.
The 80’s Tracks Cover Art Collection
Epic contest battles, kaleidoscopic characters and commercialisation. There was never anything understated about the 80s. We drowned in the sounds of power-pop bands and kitsch crooners, fashion was splashed liberally with ostentatious colours and in Australia, our prime minister skulled yard glasses and granted days off for winning boat races. The decade belonged to those willing to unashamedly express whatever it was they were thinking or feeling. Surfing preserved its status as a unique counter-culture, however, its 80s evolution reflected everything that was going on around it.
Meanwhile, Tracks retained its regular black and white broadsheet format but immortalised surfers on its covers in full colour. Likewise, an exponentially expanding surf industry developed a fluoro fetish and couldn’t resist running its ads big and bright. Alongside the black and white editorial copy neon surfers clad in sponsor’s garb leapt from the pages. Some purists felt that surfing had sold out but although at times it was frivolous there was something undeniably fun about the 80s. With strong support from companies in and out of the industry, pro surfing went into the next stratosphere. Gladiatorial duels defined the decade – MR vs Cheyne, Curren vs Carroll, Occy vs Curren, Kong vs the world. Although the tour was a relentless circuit that often championed bums on beaches before good waves it still seemed to the rest of us like these guys had the best jobs in the world. Meanwhile, the average surfer was dealing with a rapidly expanding surfing population, protesting against the sewage outlet at their home break and saving for a trip to G-land.
If you wish to dive deeper into the Tracks archive and explore every issue from the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s in their entirety you can do so by becoming a premium member. Click here for full details.
Note: All Tracks cover art is scanned from original Tracks Magazine issues so in their authenticity there may be some imperfections such as marks, folds, or discolouration.
Share
Collapsible content
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Printing Process
Premium Quality Paper: Tracks print art is printed on the highest quality paper available. Your Print will be created using the finest archival materials and processes to ensure the best possible quality. Premium Smooth Cotton Rag - Natural White 315gsm: Fine art paper, crafted to adhere to ISO 9706 and proudly bearing FSC certification. This premium paper, featuring a subtle yet luxurious texture, elevates artwork to gallery-quality standards whilst supporting sustainable forestry practices.
Framing process: Produced on our cutting-edge giclee fine art printers housed in our Northern Sydney print lab, every print undergoes precise trimming and professional mounting on mould-resistant framing core-board. Encased in a solid timber frame and finished with premium Japanese framing tape, each piece is delivered ready-to-hang, ensuring enduring preservation.
✓ Sustainably Sourced Materials: Our frames are constructed using solid timber that is FSC certified, reflecting our dedication to sustainable sourcing practices.
✓ Superior Clarity Acrylic: The acrylic used in our frames surpasses traditional glass or 'perspex' in both clarity and durability, offering a crystal-clear view of the artwork without compromising on strength.
✓ Optimal Artwork Presentation: While all clear surfaces naturally reflect some light, we avoid using non-reflective films on our acrylic. Such treatments can diminish the color and vibrancy of the art. Our approach ensures your artwork is presented in its truest form.
✓ Mould-Resistant Backing: The rear of each frame features a mould-resistant white board, eschewing the use of MDF to protect and preserve your art prints. Your fine art is mounted to this professional-grade framing board for enhanced longevity.
✓ Ready to Hang: Every framed art print arrives ready for display, complete with unique hanging fixtures for easy installation.
Each print is available as; unframed (print only) or framed print (raw, black or white wooden frame).
SIZING
Original
Print Only
1970 - Jun 84: 457 x 304mm
July 1984 - Mar 1991: 457 x 328mm
April 1991 - Dec 1992: 457 x 312mm
Jan 1993 - Aug 1994: 457 x 322mm
Sept 1994 - Dec 1999: 457 x 315mm
Medium
Print Only
1970 - Jun 84: 610 X 406mm
July 1984 - Mar 1991: 610 x 438mm
April 1991 - Dec 1992: 610 x 416mm
Jan 1993 - Aug 1994: 610 x 430mm
Sept 1994 - Dec 1999: 610 x 421mm
Large
Print Only
1970 - Jun 84: 762 x 508mm
July 1984 - Mar 1991: 762 x 547mm
April 1991 - Dec 1992: 762 x 520mm
Jan 1993 - Aug 1994: 762 x 537mm
Sept 1994 - Dec 1999: 762 x 526mm
White Border Details: A white border refers to a deliberate, unprinted margin surrounding the artwork on your selected print. While this border will slightly reduce the visible area of your chosen design, the overall dimensions of the 315 gsm matte fine art paper will remain unchanged.
This feature is designed to enhance the presentation of your artwork by providing a built-in matting effect.
SHIPPING
Shipping
Each print art piece is created upon order and takes between 3-4 weeks to print, mount, frame and ship to you. International orders will take longer.
Returns
Each print art piece is printed and framed just for you in the size and frame of your choice. That means we are unable to accept returns or exchanges. We are also unable to make any changes or cancellations to orders after 24 hours.
If for any reason your new artwork arrives in anything other than perfect condition you will need to notify us within 24 hours of receiving the art and we will repair or replace the artwork.