QUESTION (authenticity) please help!!!

[anw1290]

Hi I'm in a sociology of youth subcultures class and we have to do a portfolio project analyzing subculture of our choice (I chose surfing). My paper is going to be discussing authenticity within the surfing culture, as well as resistance to the mainstream. If you could, please answer the following questions...I would greatly appreciate it!!

1. What makes someone un-authentic in the surfing community? Are there any tell-tale signs of it? How do you respond to these "posers"?

2. How do you feel about corporate sponsorship and commercial surf competitions? Does going mainstream or pro make someone a sell-out or are they still respected in the surfing community? How about major surf labels and commodities, like Billabong or Roxy?

3. Finally, how do you feel that the surfing subculture goes against or embraces mainstream values? Is there any particular statement that some are trying to make by being a surfer?

Thank you so much! Any additional comments would be appreciated!!

[billie_morini]

Hallo anw1290,
You may receive better response if you provide some simple information about yourself (like that suggested below).
What is your location?
Is this paper for a high school or university class?
Why did you select this topic?
Billie

[anw1290]

its for a university class in Georgia. I picked this topic because I like how the surfing community seems to be held together by a common love for the ocean that many other people take for granted. I picked authenticity and resistance to analyze as my concepts because I know a lot of people try to fit into the community without actually being able to surf and large companies just encourage that.I would appreciate it so much to get responses!

[Big Man]

Authenticity in a person is all about being true to yourself, not doing things just to go along with the crowd, so it doesn't matter what sub culture you take as a genre, most people across the world are not authentic. They do what they think is "the right thing" and they wear what hey thing is "this right thing" and they say what they think other people want to hear.

You asked specifically about the surf community though, and in general there seems to be more people that are true to themselves than in other sub cultures that I've come across. They don't do the things listed above, although of course, there are exceptions.

It seems pretty common that the surf community looks down on those that dress head to toe in big brand clothing, or rides a pop out board, but in my experience (I'm a booger and I say and wear whatever the hell I want) people just let you get on and do your thing, so long as you observe etiquette whilst in the water.

[billie_morini]

anw1290,
thanks for the additional information about yourself and your objective. Here are brief responses to your questions. They are provided by a middle aged professional working in California that has been surfing for 2 to 3 years. Prior to that, his entire life was devoted to motorcycles (road racing, observed trials, touring, and fabrication).

1. What makes someone un-authentic in the surfing community? Are there any tell-tale signs of it? How do you respond to these "posers"? An un-authentic surfer is one that buys, wears, and uses lot of stuff considered surf-related. This is similar to all the corporate people that are weekend Hell's Angels. They buy a Harley and all kinds of leather clothing for themselves and their wives. Instead of riding all the way to the annual Sturgis, South Dakota Rally, they trailer their bikes. Back to topic: You can spot the un-authentic surfers. They have all new equipment and often drive expensive European autos or the classy, late model SUVs. To generalize, they don't spend enough time in the beginner locations before trying to line up for the more advanced breaks. This causes problems in terms of safety and congeniality. They may only surf a few times per year and it takes far more than that to become competent in surfing. Surfing is like playing the guitar. You have to do it often and work at it to become any good. To answer the 3rd question in this set: I ignore them.

2. How do you feel about corporate sponsorship and commercial surf competitions? Does going mainstream or pro make someone a sell-out or are they still respected in the surfing community? How about major surf labels and commodities, like Billabong or Roxy? Guys that have been surfing for decades may tell you that sponsorship and commericalism has been bad for the sport because it has brought more surfers to the breaks. I'm not sure which way to feel about it. It is nice to see that many pro surfers can actually make a living in the sport, whereas, very few in the past actually could. The infusion of money and interest has greatly improved the quality and selection of equipment and useful water apparel. In this regard, it is positive. But, like model rockets and dirt motorcycling, as well as, mountian biking, you end up asking yourself whehter all this advancement is really good or necessary.

3. Finally, how do you feel that the surfing subculture goes against or embraces mainstream values? Is there any particular statement that some are trying to make by being a surfer? In some ways I admire the untamed surfer. The guy that lives only to surf is truly living for life. There isn't much better than being immersed in the sea, its environment, and riding waves. It provides challenges that few people are able to experience. It is not a waste of time by any stretch. As long as a guy manages to live a surfer's life without resorting to illegal activities, I will embrace his decision to surf at the expense of everything else. Certainly, some surfers are trying to make a statement about their values, but much of this notion in the minds of others is Hollywood hype. A completely dedicated surfer does what he does without too much thought.

[billie_morini]

anw: couple of additional thoughts.
A) do not want to mislead anyone. By "professional" in regard to myself, I meant professional as in corporate America. I work in civil and environmental engineering and am relatively highly placed.
B) an advantage to the commercial advancement of surfing is there is more interest from public and government. Case in point: a grass roots campaign to prevent the construction of a toll road in southern California through the Trestles and San Onofre campground and surf break beaches was successful. Twenty-five years ago, the measure would have passed because something like 20 surfers would have not been able to defeat it. Due to the evolution of the sport, thousands of enthusiasts held rallies at the state capital and the surfing organizations had sufficient clout to attract the attention of supporting politicians.

[parrysurf]

1. What makes someone un-authentic in the surfing community? Are there any tell-tale signs of it? How do you respond to these "posers"?

strictly from an "in the water perspective" on this answer: Un-authentic surfer in the water is one with no respect for the line-up. A skilled surfer who snakes or is disrespectful to others in the line up is not authentic. A beginner who can't surf but respects the rules of the line up, is more authentic. If you are a good surfer you get your waves, you don't need to snake or be rude.....unless someone snakes me, then I am rude as hell....they always get one free warning tho.

2. How do you feel about corporate sponsorship and commercial surf competitions? Does going mainstream or pro make someone a sell-out or are they still respected in the surfing community? How about major surf labels and commodities, like Billabong or Roxy?

I have no opinion on this question....people will be judged by their actions...and if you are gonna call someone a sell out for taking a check for surfing......you are jealous cuz he has a better job!

3. Finally, how do you feel that the surfing subculture goes against or embraces mainstream values? Is there any particular statement that some are trying to make by being a surfer?

Surfers lead the main stream....in fashion, entertainment, language, and overwhelmingly in environmental issues. The world looks to surfers to show them whats cool!!
If someone is trying to make a statement by surfing.....they are a kook, and not a surfer.