The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful of surf culture. The most important part of surf culture is the beautiful. And there is lots of it.
The sky on a clear blue day isn’t something created by surf culture. But the choice to take advantage of it is. Seeking the sun and the colored sky plays into the feelings that draw surfers to the waves. Even when the skies are gray, the view can be dramatic in a quiet way. That’s part of surf culture, that impressive natural display.
The warm yellow sand also is a given, but it’s another element that draws surfers to become part of the culture, not just weekend wave riders. Nothing wrong with that, of course. The wide stretch of gently curving sand that gives underfoot is part of the natural gift that creates the mellow state that is part of surf culture.
But there’s a state that isn’t mellow, that is all passion. That comes from riding the perfect wave in a perfect way. And there’s a kind of beauty to that, too. It’s the beauty of excellence, the quiet pride of a skill well earned and the whooping joy of the rush when you use it.
Whether big endorsements that flow from winning competitions is your goal, or you just want to experience the ride for its own sake, that beauty is there for anyone who seeks it.