What is modern Surf Culture?

It seems that "surf culture" is becoming more like "urban culture." In the Northeast, and in some places in California, modern surf culture and modern urban culture have a lot in common. It used to be that surf culture was totally unique, having it's own vernacular, attitude, appeal... Now it seems like surf culture shares a lot of it's language and lifestyle with urban culture.

It it just my perception, or is this reality?
If it is a reality, why has this happened?
Is it a good thing or a bad thing?

I think over the past 2 decades that mainstream culture has become urban culture and as we are all learning, for good or bad, surfing has gone mainstream,. Personally, I'm one of those redneck hillbilly types that has an Ipod full of Skynyrd, Toby Keith and the great Johnny Cash. I'm also an old head. I think most surfers under the age of 25 seem to be more immersed in the urban thing. Then again my two oldest sons are split- the 15 year old is a redneck like his dad, the 13 year old is more Urban- influenced. Good or bad?? I guess as long as you are having fun out there and are not an A$$hole in the lineup, then it's all good.

Good points Earl. Have you noticed the amount of "surfers" in car commercials or just regular commercials? I mean it's a summer thing when they do that but still i noticed it a lot more this year than any other so far. Plus with a lot of the major clothing/accessories/gear shops, thy are pushing the "lifestyle" part more than the actual surf gear because its all about the $$$ nowadays. That's my guess to why it's blended. That and surfing used to be a counterculture thing. Now it's kinda just part of the norm in some places.

I read an article and heard a podcast about two older professional surfers talk about if surfing will become "uncool" in the next 20 years or so and if its just a fad with these young kids coming up. One guy said no it will never be uncool to surf but the other guy said he thought it would. His reasoning was that with all these kids doing airs with big sponsors and all that other crap will get bored of it because its so repetitive and it takes awhile before someone innovates something new so kids and other people will be turned off from it.

Honestly, I hope surfing becomes the uncool thing to do! Less people in lineups, kooks not trying to try brag about beings surfers when they can barely stand on a board, less mainstream people stereotyping surfers with lingo that kinda died down after the 90's and all that other stupid ****. Surfing has changed my life so it'll never be something "uncool". It's more than just something to do to me, it defines me and it gives some fresh perspective on things every time i paddle out. It's a passion for a lot of us so it will never die out but if it became less crowded and mainstream, that's fine with me.

Honestly, I think the mainstream's interest in surfing will prove to be a flash in the pan, just a fad. I don't think it will become uncool after the fad wears off, but less people will be drawn to it. I can't really say, but I imagine that the mid-late sixties were CRAZY in terms of mainstream/non-surfing types crowding the lineups in places like Southern California. Sure, the lineups weren't as crowded then in general, but I would guess that there were relatively just as many beginners paddling out and dressing "like surfers" at that time because of the popularity of the Beach Boys and other surf bands. Just a thought. Anybody have first-hand knowledge to confirm/deny this?

AMEN MY BROTHER 757surfer!!!!! WHO CARES WHAT ANYONE THINKS ABOUT SURFING!!! THOSE OF US WHO UNDERSTAND LIFE DON'T CARE WETHER THINGS ARE COOL OR NOT. The stoke will never die...surfing is the best thing I've ever been addicted to. It has changed my life as well, I'm in better shape, been to more places, and have met some of the most amazing people in other countries because I surf. I wouldn't trade any surf experience for all the money or material things in the world. All one has to do is travel outside the states to understand how lucky we Americans really are. Enjoy the expericence wether its knee high or overhead...the ocean is my favorite playground!!!

whatever you do, if you are a real surfer, never wear a flat brim hat slightly crooked. ever.

or your pants around your knees...

... With your ears tucked up into the hat

Whats with surf brands like Quicksilver charging 70 bucks for a flannel shirt? When did surfers get wealthy enough to spend that kind of money? I'll get my flannels at Sears. F them with their fancy labels....

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Originally Posted by kielsun

Honestly, I think the mainstream's interest in surfing will prove to be a flash in the pan, just a fad. I don't think it will become uncool after the fad wears off, but less people will be drawn to it. I can't really say, but I imagine that the mid-late sixties were CRAZY in terms of mainstream/non-surfing types crowding the lineups in places like Southern California. Sure, the lineups weren't as crowded then in general, but I would guess that there were relatively just as many beginners paddling out and dressing "like surfers" at that time because of the popularity of the Beach Boys and other surf bands. Just a thought. Anybody have first-hand knowledge to confirm/deny this?

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Can't speak of So Cal in the late 60's, as far as OC,IRI, OBX and FLA surfing migrated from the Beach Boy phase right into the "counter culture" (hippie) era that seemed to dominate/define "surfing" that lasted until the late 70's. Surfers were dubbed long haired pot smok'n pill dropp'n bums so by no means in "vogue" or "mainstream". Also it seemed surfing/surfers somewhat disappeared from the beach scene in those years too as compared with the earlier/mid 60's. I've seen interviews with surfing legends who began their careers in those years who admitted popping LSD, smoking "J's" or "Angel Dust" to experience a cosmic session. So local heavy drug use in the line up maybe mellowed out hard core from the newbies (Kooks). As far as OC at that time, felt more harmony in the water than now competing for spots/waves. This is what I've seen that has changed :confused: we were not fighting among ourselves in those days that appears to be more "mainstream" today (Forum included). We were trying to survive development, OC surfers were pushed around by the City, then to 94th St when they began building all the high rises segregating us from the bathers for more desirable clientele. We were unwanted, then City passed new surfing ordinances so the designated beaches were crowded yet somehow most exercise surfing etiquette. OBX was the new frontier @ the Lighthouse to get away from hassles of OC while aggressive "localism" was apparent there as it was in Fla too. We joked must be the bad dope they're smok'n. Looking back, thought the best years of changing surf board design and styles maybe due to the radical times. Surfing culture has seen its up and downs although agree with others it has migrated more "mainstream" the last decade or more, a good thing.

The good times for some and others who would appreciate this is observing father with his son or daughter in the line-up sharing the stoke as that was a rare sight of my youth, just say'n.