Getting Started - Surf Culture
Surf Culture, which pertains to the culture that sprung from the sport of Surfing, originally started in Hawaii, where riding waves has been done for thousands of years. From being a spiritual way of life for the people of Hawaii, Surfing has become a modern lifestyle among millions of surfers worldwide.
Perception
Surfers have created a subgroup glued together by a deep passion for Surfing. With this passion comes the desire to live along the coastlines and to devote their time riding waves. Around the world, there are coastal locations well-known for being hotspots for Surfing lifestyle. The Ocean Beach in San Diego, California is a perfect example.
Dedicated surfers usually assign certain Surfing Spots as their own turfs. Localism, or the tendency of surfers to ward off other people from using their Surf spots by aggressive means, is a main part of Surf Culture. But there are other surfers who do not espouse such attitudes. These surfers are known as soul surfers. They see Surfing as a soulful experience. It’s not a surprise that spiritual beliefs are sometimes integrated to the sport by many surfers.
Consumption
In the 1900s, Surf Culture grew significantly. It created a niche in music, fashion, movies, literature, and even language. These aspects, in turn, propagate Surf Culture by targeting specifically the youth market. Surf Culture consumption is translated as a multi-billion dollar global industry perpetuated by the mass media.
Contribution
Environmental activism is probably the most significant contribution of Surf Culture. Surfers are concerned with environmental issues that may have impacts on Surfing spots. In recent years, there have been Surfing organizations campaigning for a cleaner and natural environment.
Surf Culture is expected to become a part of mainstream as it is continuously promoted by mass media. Though there are people who will be led by the machinations of mass media, there will still be surfers, who will continue to espouse the age-old ideology of Surfing as a soulful or spiritual experience.
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