INSECT SURFERS - REVIEWS

Rock 'n'Rollo

      How many Times have you found yourself literally slammed, without pity, into oblivion at your favorite spot? It's the type of experience that leaves a lasting impression - one that stories are based on, legends are founded upon and yes, finally, even songs are written about. Zuma Slam, the first song with actual bodyboarding lyrics, has hit the airwaves: "On a life with fins, el rollos and a belly spin/you cut the glass/while in the tube with your board./And future Frank/he says, 'I am doing the Zuma Slan.'"

      The Insect Surfers were founded by Dave Arnson, 30, in the summer of 1979 in Washington D.C. They quickly drew a strong following and were soon opening for such bands as the B-52s, Joan Jett, and the Stranglers. The Insect Surfers are now powering out their tunes in Southern California - a more appropriate environment for their "insectoid" brand of music.

      Besides Arnson, who sings, and plays guitar, other members of the band are: Dan "Danno" Sullivan, 26, who plays guitar, sax and keyboards, sings vocals and writes lyrics; Mike O'Neil, 22, who plays bass; and John Covertino (ageless) of the L.A.Band, The Fugitive Kind, who slam-dances and drums.

      When asked why the bodyboarding lyrics, Arnson replied: "No one had done it before, and I am a bodyboarding junkie, so why not be the first? I want to do for bodyboarding music what Dick Dale did for surf music. "Zuma Slam" starts with a crash of a chord that imitates the sound of a Zuma slam; I wan that to be our trademark sound."

      With plans around the corner to unveil their second album, it won't be long before other bands follow suit and coin their own bodyboarding song(s). Rumors have it that there are already some hot bobyboarders puttin in the time on strings, drums and other instruments. Will we soon see a "Yo, Bodyboarding Music Video Hour" on MTV?

Boarder Line by Mike Balzer, Body Boarding Magazine, April 1989

The Insect Surfers are being sponsored by Body Glove.