Your Pops is a dope...
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Your Pops is a dope...
Not a sport? That's the opinion of an ex jock if I ever heard one. Sorry but he has no idea what he's talking about. I can remember guys from the football team asking me to take them surfing back in high school. After trying to paddle out on a waist high day they were breathing like a bloated 50 year old. If they were able to get out beyond the breaking waves they usually colapsed on the board like they were dying. That is if they were even able to balance themselves on the board, in most cases they werent able to stay on the board for more than a few seconds and kept rolling off.
yep....my parents are very negligent towards the sport...they often mock me for it and will not support the effort of driving more than 10 minutes to get to a good break...oh, when I can drive, I'll surf EVERYWHERE ALL THE TIME
Sports signify competition. Surfing may or may not be competitive - with yourself or with others. I'd argue, for most, it is personal achievement to improving the way they ride waves. Similar to how an amateur golfer wants to keep getting lower rounds. And, of course competition surfing is sport. Some may also argue its more of an art form... I'd say its both.
I would just like to say that cross-country is one of if not the most team oriented sport there is; that being said, I'll agree with certain track events to an extent but even then, the shot put counts just as much for the team as the 4x400m relayQuote:
Originally Posted by zrich
+1 couldn't agree more, having ran XC and track, if it weren't for my teammates we would have never won a state championship.Quote:
Originally Posted by sharp eye
to the OP, i think your Dad is trying to give you sound advice, take it with a grain of salt. Team sports build character, social skills and confidence. People who don't surf have absolutely no idea what it's all about, they see it as something hippie, pot smoking losers do...but if they only knew, actually it's probably better they don't. Keep the stoke and no matter what anyone says...surf!
On second thought maybe suring isn't a sport but an athletic lifestyle. Whenever I have been asked if I liked sports I always answered "no I surf"
I enjoy surfing more than any other activity I've ever been involved in....I have since I first tried it, but I don't consider it a sport.
It certainly requires a high degree of athleticism, in many respects, but I surf for fun, for me, and I don't compete against anyone else....just doesn't seem like a sport. It's completely different from the traditional sports I've played, and more enjoyable for me than any sport I've played.
That said, I have fond memories of playing organized sports, and think their great for building character, a sense of team work etc etc. I hope as my kids grow, they'll be interested in sports, and surfing. Your dad probably just wants you to experience the positive aspects of traditional sports, and probably doesn't really understand surfing.
When I was younger, I took my dad out on a 2-3 foot day. Gave him a longboard and a wetsuit and he gave it a shot. He was back on the beach in 30 minutes AMAZED at how much work it was and how difficult it was. I think he's had a lot of respect for surfing ever since. I would try that if your dad is game, it might give him some perspective.
i have to say that, though i participated in traditional sports growing up, this thread is just another addition to the long list of reasons i'm glad that my father surfs. i've never had to explain myself to anyone in my family. i never considered how lucky i was...
Everyone basically touched on everything in regards to athleticism and surfing as a sport, but in your case w/ your dad, sounds like he's dissapointed in what your not doin rather than what you are. By that I mean maybe all he sees is you running out the door w/ your board(that he may or may not have dropped money on) then coming home to sleep on the couch! Or he just wants you to be doing something he understands or can relate to. I have a lot of people in my life that dont surf but they never question surfing because they see the hardwork, things you should make sure dad is aware of. Exercising when its flat, maintaining your gear and quiver, building a board rack or suit drying rack, walking out the door to go surf while everyone else is still sleeping. Most people hate or dissaprove of things they dont understand or know nothing about, educate him and let him see the hardwork and dedication you put into it(probably what he cares about most), then let him see you surf on a big day...I'm sure he'd change his mind. And if he doesnt, continue anyway because you should surf for yourself and not for anyone else.Quote:
Originally Posted by bodyboardNJ
just dont leave your wetsuit rolled up in the corner smellin and wet while your in the kitchen grubbin on his food, that won't help your cause.