Does the New Technology Associated with Surfing have an Effect on Surfers Identities?

Abstract

The purpose of the following study was to develop an insight into the way surfers react to the new simulators associated with surfing. Would it have an affect on their identities? Would they engage or disengage with it? The literature review was used to gain an insight into literature surrounding this topic area, then through interviews and an ethnography with myself as a dedicated surfer, data was collected. The findings were collected by spending a length of time submerged within the subculture. Research notes and interview transcripts were analysed and used to create the final findings. Literature was then applied to the findings to develop a discussion. It was seen that surfers disengage with the technologies as they feel it is completely different to surfing itself. It was seen that surfing is more than just a sport, it is about the lifestyle. This desirable lifestyle has nothing rational or calculated. It is about self expression, road trips and being in the ocean experiencing ‘riding’ different waves and the ‘energy’ whilst doing this. However, different generations of surfers had different reactions to the technology.