The word “Gidget”, one of the most famous surf movies of all time, comes from the mind of Terry Tracy. The man who inspired the beach bum character of “The Big Kahuna” is gone, but he will not be forgotten in the history of surfing. The “Tubesteak” was born in Los Angeles, on the 13th March 1935, and started surfing when he was 15. Although a late beginner, Tracy would quickly become a popular surfer in Malibu, with his good-looking figure and cool vibe. Five years later, Terry is fired from his daily boring job at the insurance company. No problem. The beach was his second home, the headquarter of his alternative lifestyle. Miki Dora inspired him, every single day. Girls loved him and Terry named her favourite one, ” Gidget ” – a mash up of the words “girl” and “midget”. In fact, she had a real name, Kathy Kohner, and traded a peanut butter sandwich for a surfboard loan.

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Terry "Tubesteack" Tracy passes away at 77

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