Buzzy Kerbox, Larry Blair 2SM Coke Surfabout Bells Beach, Victoria 1979

Buzzy Kerbox, Larry Blair
2SM Coke Surfabout 
Bells Beach, Victoria

1979

Larry Blair and and Buzzy Kerbox prepare with a sense of urgency shortly after arriving at the airlifted 1979 2SM Coke Surfabout. No time to waste. With Bells pumping, the big gamble has paid off.

Derek Hynd 2026

The 1979 2SM Coke Surfabout was notable as the first airlifted surf event in history. When Sydney's northern beaches remained flat for eight days, contest director Paul Holmes organised the unprecedented transport of the final 16 surfers, officials, and TV crew via six light aircraft to Bells Beach in Victoria to compete in 8-10 foot waves. Photographer Peter Crawford travelled with the surfers. The airlift from Narrabeen to Bells was a massive logistical feat, undertaken at great cost to sponsors Coca-Cola and radio station 2SM, to ensure the show went on. Cheyne Horan defeated Larry Blair and Simon Anderson to claim the title in dramatic, big waves. The event was the richest in professional surfing at the time and won a Gold Logie for 'Best Sports Event' on its television broadcast. Surfabout pioneered the "man-on-man" elimination format, adding intense excitement for spectators and viewers.

Amac 2026