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A writer here, seeking knowledge of surfing culture

PostPosted: Sun Oct 13, 2024 1:54 pm
by MrInitialMan
Well... pretty much what it says on the tin.

I am a writer, and a character in one of my stories is a young surfer. As I do not surf myself (it has been decades since I've even been to the ocean), I have little knowledge of surfing culture aside what I can glean from websites describing surfer slang--always a source to be looked at with suspicion and a pinch more salt than what we have in the sea. So, I have sought out a surfing forum, where I hope I can ask questions and thus avoid my character's speech from sounding like a ridiculous garble of billigswoggle, balderdash, and bunk.

I hope that this is okay with you all. :-)

Re: A writer here, seeking knowledge of surfing culture

PostPosted: Sun Oct 13, 2024 3:46 pm
by jaffa1949
Let’s start you correctly from the beginning. Where in the world is your story going to unfold. Surf Jargon and lingo is tribal and location centric.
An Australian would laugh at any LA slang and vice versa, even beach to beach can difference can identify as surely as accents.
Then you have the imagined cliches most non surfing writers describe the sensations of surfing.

Job ahead of you :lol:

Re: A writer here, seeking knowledge of surfing culture

PostPosted: Sun Oct 13, 2024 5:38 pm
by MrInitialMan
The story takes place in what is effectively Alberta, Canada, but the character's lingo would come (in small part) from British Columbia (if there are good surfing spots there) or otherwise LA, and in larger portion from cartoons.

(Of course, with my characterization style of Mix, Match, and Muddle, he's being written with a Northern English accent as thick as refrigerated molasses :lol: )

Re: A writer here, seeking knowledge of surfing culture

PostPosted: Mon Oct 14, 2024 1:53 am
by Naeco78


Tofino, BC