Two teenage girls navigate the social hierarchies and hedonistic surf culture of 1970s Sydney while attempting to secure their status among the local surf crowd. Debbie and Sue seek acceptance within a male-dominated beach culture, facing the pressures of sexual experimentation, drug use, and the rigid expectations of their peers. The narrative follows their transition from childhood to adolescence, highlighting the physical and social risks inherent in their pursuit of popularity. Written with a raw, observational tone, the story captures the specific vernacular and social dynamics of the era's Australian youth. The protagonists must reconcile their personal desires with the demands of a group that often treats them as disposable accessories.

Readers frequently highlight the book's unflinching portrayal of the social pressures faced by teenage girls in a hyper-masculine environment. Discussion often centers on the stark contrast between the perceived freedom of the surf lifestyle and the underlying vulnerability of the protagonists. Critics note that the prose maintains a detached, observational quality that avoids moralizing the characters' choices. The work is widely recognized for its historical significance in capturing a specific moment in Australian cultural history. Many readers appreciate the lack of sentimentality, which allows the narrative to remain grounded in the reality of the characters' experiences.