The exchanges are getting kind of flat, would someone please spice it up?
True or false: the demographic of a specific surfing locale has more influence (pro and con) on board/fin design and riding style than any other factor.
Not totally… i think that the shapers surfing style has the most to do with there board style. Many surfers have different thoughts on perfect features on a board. I know me and my brother can take the same person asking us to make them a board, and come up with totally different ideas on what board they should have . both would work great for them. jus incorporat different ideas. but the local surfing area does efffect your style. so i think its a mix.
Scratch, Demographic (I looked it up just to be sure I knew what you were asking): from Demography: The study of human populations, especially of their size, growth, and statistics. Good question. I see the demographic where I surf (usually Cardiff Reef) having a big influence on the type of equipment used. One example is the fact that the dawn patrol is made up of men in the 40-60 year old range. Lots of longboards. And because the guys tend to have a little money in that stage of their lives, they almost always have more than one board. Some have more than ten. And, dare I say, epoxy boards are quite common. Lots of float,(the pot-belly factor) good durability, but higher cost. There’s the money thing again. Just a few observations. Much could be said on this subject. Doug
Kooks. Too many of them at any one spot have more influence on board/fin design and riding style than any other factor. A kook demographic: Someone who`s good enough and experienced enough to know right from wrong and the do’s and don’t’s of surfing but refuses to adhere to them. Examples would be: Talks sh!t about other people while on the beach checking things out, constantly snakes people because he feels entitled because of a self-perceived skill level that he thinks is better than others, calls other people kooks when he’s not much different or better, or just simply refuses to acknowledge the basic principles and etiquette of surfing. Or people who constantly misrepresent there sessions and abilities just to make themselves look better.
I agree - the demographics of an area have a large impact on the equipment - especially income. It’s the old “Golden Rule” i.e. those that have the “gold” rule !!!
Nah, the geography has a greater influence on the type of board ridden. Usually, the experienced surfers know which type of board to use for a particular locale. The regulars will bring out the longboards for point breaks, short boards for the hollow beach breaks. The kooks and others just follow what the regulars use. If not, they’ll usually get so frustrated or pounded that they leave. If they return, they’ll bring proper equipment. Kooks don’t influence the locale, regulars (locals) do.
There are always exceptions, but they only reinforce these time-proven observations: 1) No crowds and “A+” waves have the greatest influence on freedom of surfing equipment and riding styles. Surfing is about riding the wave. 2) The higher the density of surfers per break, the more fragmented the rides tend to become. 3) The more segmented the rides, the more those who remain tend to adapt their equipment to focus on shorter sections of the break, assuming a defensive manner of riding/wave possession. Interpersonal interferances are anticipated at least as much as sections in the wave. 4) Near capacity crowds at any given break have the greatest influence, both imposing the least amount of freedom in surfing equipment and upon the style of riding. Boards are designed accomodate the most maneuvers in the shortest, tightest space. 5) Maximum level crowding causes “A+” surf spots to literally become “F” waves. 6) Riding the wave finally devolves to “surfing the crowd”.
exactly!!!the country club mentality of this sport is ruining it ie, too many people just hangin’ out in order to be part of something, floating, clogging the lineup, and clueless.Even marginal days are now packed.It is indeed like a surfing pinball machine.
It’s interesting but no one has mentioned the influence that the “pros” and advertising has on choosing a board. Not to mention the impact of a good salesman.