Good article on hipster surfing by Sean Doherty. I really enjoyed it and it got me thinking. Within surfing, hipster culture in my opinion is often confused and entangled with the DIY culture that started in the punk era. DIY culture is about facing the world as it is and instead of rebelling, hiding or submitting, its about choosing to participate where appropriate. From personal experience, the fun comes from looking at culture, not as good or evil, but as a game where certain pockets are constantly opening and closing. Mainstream cultures frantic march for progress and celebration the newest and best theres a lot of these pockets which if re-engaged can be inhabited and worked to create a more diversity and joy. Pro surfing as it progresses is becoming increasingly exclusive. Boards break quickly and need to replaced, good waves need to be traveled to, food devoid of chemicals need to be purchased, trainers, gyms, contests fees... All of this isnt going to stop kids who really love surfing but whove might not have had the support or resolve to jump through all of the above hoops from giving their best to surfing. And this is what you are seeing today- kids who can shape their own equipment, respect bodysurfing, as much as trimming and noseriding, as much as carving and doing big airs. They are doing this by defining for themselves what is good surfing and striving to raise themselves to that standard. Im glad I live in a time when the industry supports people to explore areas of the surfing experience that the contest thoroughbreds need to overlook in order to achieve their specific performance goals. The truth is that most of these kids dont care whether their inspiration comes from Mick in a red singlet at J Bay, or the old vegan bodysurfer dawn patroller down the street. Hipster culture, from what Ive observed has always been preoccupied with rebelling against a flawed system through an obsessive tendency to define themselves through their purchases. Its about the result more than the process. Its sad that subcultures are often celebrated and then judged in the popular eye by the actions of each generations most self-indulgent. What DIY surfing has done for many of us is keep the stoke of surfing alive post grom froth in crowded and underwhelming conditions. Everything else is just trying to make off surfing, which Ive been guilty of for a couple years but I consider myself conscious of not taking more than giving. I just hope my kids have surfing in their lives, and that along with other immersions in nature helps connect them with their gifts and serve as a jumping off point for exploits that arent exploitive as generations prior. Heres Seans article- coastalwatch/surfing/13320/sean-doherty-on-de-evolution-hipsterism-in-surfing
Posted on: Sun, 03 Aug 2014 18:10:36 +0000