"The Impacts" was a U.S. surf rock band active during the early 1960s. Known for their instrumental surf style, their sound was characterized by aggressive use of reverb and a strong rhythm section. The band, notably featuring Merrell Fankhauser on lead guitar, made significant contributions to the surf rock genre with their influential album "Wipe Out". Despite their brief period of activity, "The Impacts" are noted for their historical importance in the development and popularization of surf music.