Malibu - Adapted musicals by Yuri Worontschak, #1

"Malibu" is a novella that chronicles the transformative journey of Tracy Clifford, a gifted surfer from Bondi Beach, Australia. Feeling constrained by the traditional expectations of her local surfing community and yearning for something more, Tracy decides to leave her familiar surroundings in search of new horizons and personal growth. Setting off on a journey southward, Tracy hitches a ride with a group of free-spirited hippie surfers in a colorful V.
W. Kombi van. Among them is Moana, a charismatic surfer from Maui. Together, they travel to Bells Beach, renowned for its legendary waves. There, Tracy overcomes the chilly waters with the help of a new wetsuit from Rip Curl and wins the 1969 Ladies Invitational, reigniting her passion for surfing and boosting her confidence. Moana invites Tracy to Hawaii, where she experiences the vibrant surf culture of Waikiki Beach.
Embracing the warm waters and the welcoming community, Tracy feels a deep connection to the ocean and her newfound friends. It is here that she unexpectedly reunites with Errol, an old acquaintance working on a resort project. Errol invites her to California to witness the Malibu Open Surfing Competition. Eager for new challenges, Tracy accepts. Upon arriving in California, Tracy discovers that the competition is exclusive to men.
Undeterred by the gender barrier, she becomes determined to challenge the status quo. However, she faces resistance from Errol and others who doubt the possibility of change. Feeling disillusioned, Tracy immerses herself in the counterculture movement of San Francisco, seeking solace and inspiration among the hippies who question societal norms. Amidst personal turmoil-including a scare about a possible pregnancy-Tracy realizes that she must take action to achieve her dreams.
With Errol's eventual support, they devise a bold plan: Tracy will disguise herself as a man to compete in the Malibu Open. On the day of the competition, she enters under the pseudonym "Clifford Tracy." Her exceptional performance captivates the audience, and she rides the waves with unparalleled skill. As she finishes her final wave, Tracy reveals her true identity, pulling off her wig and letting her hair flow freely.
The crowd reacts with a mix of shock, admiration, and outrage. Although she is disqualified for violating the competition's rules, her courageous act sparks a conversation about gender equality in the surfing world. Throughout the story, Tracy's relationship with Errol evolves from friendship to deep affection. Their mutual support helps them both confront their insecurities and societal pressures.
Errol's father's change of heart symbolizes a generational shift toward acceptance and progress."On Top of the World" delves into themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and the fight against gender discrimination during the late 1960s. Tracy's journey from Australia to Hawaii and California reflects her inner transformation as she challenges not only external barriers but also her own doubts and fears.
The novella paints a vivid picture of the surfing subculture, highlighting the beauty of the ocean and the exhilaration of riding waves. It captures the essence of an era marked by social upheaval, the quest for personal freedom, and the breaking of traditional molds. In the end, Tracy's actions lead to significant changes within the surfing community, including the consideration of women's divisions in major competitions.
Embracing both her love for Errol and her role as a trailblazer, Tracy stands ready to face the future, truly feeling on top of the world.