Wipe Out! The Beat Behind Surf Rock Drumming, by Sean J. Kennedy, is the first comprehensive study of surf rock drumming as a serious rhythmic tradition. Moving beyond novelty and nostalgia, the book traces surf drumming’s roots through jazz, early rock & roll, Afro-Cuban influence, and mid-century studio practice—revealing how groove, feel, and time shaped one of the most influential sounds in American popular music.

Written by drummer, educator, and music historian Sean J. Kennedy, Wipe Out! blends historical research, musical analysis, transcriptions, and curated listening to illuminate how surf drumming developed—and why its rhythmic ideas continue to matter today.

What’s Inside

• A historical overview of surf rock drumming and its cultural context


• Exploration of rhythmic lineage from jazz to early rock & roll


• Notated musical examples illustrating key grooves and approaches


• Curated listening lists and multimedia resources


• Pedagogical insight for drummers, educators, and students

eBook | 133 Pages with Audio

Table of Contents

Foreword 1
Introduction 4

1. Groove Origins — From Jazz to the Breakers 7
2. Dick Dale — The Guitar That Drums 20
3. The Surf Beat 24
4. Ocean Sounds — Drums as Nature 35
5. Cool Currents — Pipeline Grooves 45
6. Latin Undercurrent 52
7. Silver Screen Surf 60
8. Heartland Surf 69
9. The Solo Wave — Riding Rhythmic Freedom 75
10. Legends Behind the Kit 81
11. Must-Hear Waves 107
12. The Last Break 113

Glossary 114
Bibliography 123
Acknowledgements 126
About the Author 127
Index 128

Praise

“As a young wannabe rock and roll drummer, surf music was a must. It was exciting and full of youthful energy. You weren’t really a drummer until you could play ‘Wipe Out,’ a tune everyone was pounding out on their school desks. Sean J. Kennedy describes this sound in detail, showing why it remains relevant today.”
—Liberty DeVitto, drummer for Billy Joel

“Wipe Out! is an outstanding read. It not only traces the history of surf rock and its pioneering artists but also offers a hands-on lesson in how drummers developed the style, complete with notated examples. Reading it took me right back to my days of drumming with Dick Dale.”
—Daxx Nielsen, drummer for Cheap Trick

“Another needed, and wonderfully thought-out study on American drumming.”
—Clayton Cameron, drummer for Tony Bennett and the Count Basie Orchestra

“Very compelling, with fresh perspectives on what most drummers assumed were just a few basic beats. The audio files sound fantastic!”
—Jon ‘Bermuda’ Schwartz, drummer for “Weird Al” Yankovic

“Wipe Out: The Beat Behind Surf Rock Drumming is one of the most thoroughly researched and brilliantly crafted books on drumming I’ve ever seen. Sean masterfully distills the concepts, techniques, grooves, solos, fills, kit set-ups, songs, and bands that inspired and defined this genre. Detailed, precise, and completely accessible—not only for drummers, but for anyone who loves music.”
—Dr. Sherrie Maricle, bandleader of the Diva Jazz Orchestra and educator

About the Author

Sean J. Kennedy is a professional drummer, percussionist, educator, and music historian whose work bridges performance practice, pedagogy, and American popular music history. He is the author and co-author of multiple widely used drumset method books published by Carl Fischer Music and Alfred Music, including collaborations with Liberty DeVitto and Richie Cannata.