Surfing Culture

Surfing may be considered by some to be called a lifestyle. Truthfully the weather dictates the surfers life. When there are good waves the surfer needs a profession that isn't dependent on him showing up that day. Or like many of us our employers know when there is good waves and let us off from work early or allow us to come in late. In the USA the surf culture probably began around the 1950s. Probably the first surfers on record would be the Hawaiians who started surfing in the 15th century. The culture spread to many aspects of main stream society. You now see middle aged men and women wearing what was traditionally surf wear or beach attire. Surfing created it own music and slang. Most of us have heard of the Beach Boys.

Many of the people that are not familiar with this sub-culture, I will call it the surfing sub-culture are apt to describe surfers as lazy and undependable. Because of there quest for good waves and their non-traditional views of society. They may not stay in one place very long, many surfers seem to be nomadic in nature. Searching for the best wave and best conditions around the world. Where would surfing be with-out the beach lifestyle. Surf all day and party all night may be some of the younger surfers motto's. While the more mature surfer has a family and works a somewhat traditional job. On the days that there is not adequate surf the surfer might take to kite boarding, windsurfing, skim boarding, fishing or any of the dozens of activities that we all associate with the beach.

Surfing culture has really evolved over the years and surfers have become more involved and concerned with the environmental issues of ocean water and air quality. Many organizations have been formed by and are dominated by surfers that help the environment. Many of the beach clean-up days I have witnessed have been mostly surfers. The typical surfer these days can be almost anyone that has the desire to surf and respects the ocean. For some of us learning to surf takes long hours of practice and dedication. Learning to surf can be a life passion or a weekend fun activity its up to you. You do not have to be a surfer to learn and enjoy the culture of surfing. Just throw your surf trunks on and head to the beach.