Where I live, in the People’s Republic of Marin County, California, something like 90 percent of the population votes Democratic. But a quick Internet search shows me that Brevard County, Florida, home to some of Florida’s best surf (Sebastian Inlet, Spanish House, Melbourne Beach) overwhelmingly voted for Trump in the last presidential election. Presumably, a big chunk of those Brevard County voters who cast ballots for Trump are dedicated, lifelong surfers. But hold on a second. If surfing is so fundamental to our existence, and we build our whole lives around surfing, shouldn’t it have some impact on our politics too? We like to think that surfing makes us some kind of a likeminded tribe, but at least in terms of politics, that’s clearly not true, even at a fundamental level.
This is both a good thing, and a bad thing.
The good part is that the physical act of surfing transcends politics. For most of us, the act of waveriding takes place entirely within a political vacuum. In fact, I’d venture to guess that in democratic countries with surf populations, the days after a big election are probably some of the most-surfed days in history, as members of the losing side use surfing to blow off some steam and try to forget the impending political doom. While the famous bumper sticker overstates it a bit, there’s a lot of truth in the motto that, “There’s nothing a good day of surfing won’t cure,” including feeling like your country has gone completely insane.
Sure, I get plenty pissed at fellow surfers in the water for myriad reasons, but their political beliefs are not one of them. I couldn’t care less about what they think of universal health care or the legalization of marijuana while I’m trying to strategically elbow them off of the peak. For the most part, any fears or frustrations I have about paying too much in taxes, or other people not paying enough, disappear the second I start clawing through the freezing impact zone of my local beachbreak.
And if it’s clean and barreling? I’ve never even heard of politics at that point. Zorkon the Destroyer could be elected president and I wouldn’t be even remotely aware once I get to my feet on a screamer. The surfers around me would agree, I’m sure, regardless of their opinion of Zorkon’s policy to eat everybody’s first-born son.
As an example, I often surf with a lifelong friend whose politics couldn’t be further removed from mine, and while we’re constantly at each other’s throats on social media, we don’t discuss politics in the water. Ever. It’s great, especially for him, because it’s the one time of day he’s not totally wrong about every single thing he thinks about the world. (You reading this, Chris?)
Even if you do doggedly drag politics into your surfing life, you can pretty much force the surfing lifestyle through whatever political filter you’ve got. Are you an Ayn Rand-quoting, libertarian, free-market enthusiast? Too easy. You can make all the money you want, move to Baja to flee your tax responsibilities and live unfettered in pursuit of off-the-grid point break perfection. Big-government proponent? No sweat. You can vote for all the marine-habitat-protecting, clean-water-loving politicians your bleeding heart desires, and hold your head high knowing you’ve helped keep your favorite lineups pristine. Somewhere in the middle? That’s fine too. No matter where you are on the political spectrum, from “that government is best which governs least” to the most strident socialists among us, you can frame your surfing lifestyle through any political lens. Which pretty much blows apart the notion that there’s some kind of binding culture that surfers share, outside of liking waves, of course.
And if it’s clean and barreling? I’ve never even heard of politics at that point. Zorkon the Destroyer could be elected president and I wouldn’t be even remotely aware once I get to my feet on a screamer.
While I’m thankful that surfing doesn’t really dictate my politics or vice versa, if we could coalesce our political beliefs around waveriding, we’d flex a decent amount of political muscle. Pollution—let’s start there. We—meaning voters and elected officials who surf—could have a tremendous impact on the cleanliness of the ocean. Nobody seems to know how many surfers there are in the U.S., but even in the very low millions, that’s a sizable voting bloc. Imagine if all surfers put environmental regulation near the top of their political wish lists, simply because we were surfers. If we stood together to prevent development of beautiful coastal lands, and committed to preserving them for the public, how incredible could that be for future surfing generations? Or if we went to the other side of the political spectrum and supported massive tariffs on imported goods —what would that do for board builders and the people employed by the domestic surf industry? (see Riley Morton’s comment below for a great repudiation of this point. – Ed)
We’ll likely never know. Surfing, for as much as our world revolves around it, stands stubbornly removed from the politics of most surfers. At least until the “Zorkon’s Permanent Set Wave Priority” bill gets signed into law.
Top photo: Jeremy Bishop
This is for sure a refreshing read. At the end of the day, we are all humans stuck in this social experiment and all keeping our heads above water.
I would agree, except for two words. “Surfrider Foundation.” Show me how many “right leaning” surfers have made financial or monetary contributions to the ONLY organization that is working to guarantee safe access to clean beaches not just for surfers, but ocean wildlife as well. And if you’re not concerned about the sludge you’re surfing through, maybe you’re better off in a 100 percent man made environment. A wave-pool, for instance.
“Right leaning” surfers would contribute if not for their slogan of “Surfrider is determined to stop new offshore drilling off U.S. coasts…”. We need to protect our environment and work to clean things up, but ignorant slogans and directives aren’t the answer. Also, plenty of “left leaning” surfers are directly responsible for and behind inland wave parks. They need to do some research and figure out exactly how much energy that comes from offshore drilling that is used to build and power their fun little parks. Like most things, the answers lay somewhere in the middle. Ignorance is bliss, for both extremes, I guess.
The wave parks are an abomination. I’ve written essays before about how so many surfers aren’t environmentalists, or even care about the outdoors all that much, they just think of waves as a skate park. The wave parks prove it.
I agree. Not only due to the environmental impact but because it is a soulless copy and abomination of what surfing should be. But that’s just my opinion. And yes, a lot of surfers, just like off road riders, could care less about the environment. I might sound like Lori Petty in Point Break but a lot of “outdoor” enthusiasts enjoy their pursuit just like they enjoy riding a roller coaster. It’s just a thrill and something to spend money on as a hobby and post to social media. They have no soul. Sad. A lot of people need to look inward a little more and question themselves…and be honest.
Self reflection or ‘looking inward’ is a “weak” lib-tard snowflake way of looking at the world (irony intended) and guess what, pretty much the ENTIRE outdoor ecosystem, from Red Bull to Jackass to Point Break to X Games… the list goes on an on, celebrates ‘living in the moment.’ You can’t sell sex to young men anymore, that’s too politcally incorrect, so that’s been replaced by Selling Adrenaline. And there’s nothing new in any of that, look at John Wayne, Arnold Schwarzennegar, Tom Cruise, etc. It’s still a Man’s World in so many ways.
Great peace, Justin. My only quibble is your comment “on the other side of the political spectrum“ I consider myself far left, but I also support massive tariffs on imported goods… Not because I necessarily want to protect American jobs, but I think because it’s far better for the environment. Which is far and away the most important issue to me. Us anti-globalization activists I think would agree that large tariffs do more to support tougher environmental standards in the western world…this is why environmental activists and organized labor stood together to shut down the WTO in Seattle for instance…
Good point – will address in the piece.
So you’re not going to address it in great peace?
“Address in the piece” in this instant meant: “add a note directing people to Riley’s comment.” This isn’t really the place for a discussion about protectionism.
Nice piece Justin. I don’t surf, but I backcountry ski. The parallels are clear – no politics when you shred pow-pow. And people are bound tightly in the experience, which for most of us is as close to God as we will ever get.
Wouldn’t it be great if the comaraderie spread to tamp down our maddening and vicious politics?
Keep it coming, Justin.
Politics regarding the Outdoor Industry are unfortunately inevitable. Those who have the ability to surf are clearly in a position of financial security and have the flexibility to make surfing a priority. Hmm, sounds like a position of power. Hmm, power sounds like politics. Surfing is an escape. Leave your politics on the sand!!!
It’s good that you can compartmentalize and separate your buddy’s surfing from his politics. I struggle with this. I’ve cut a couple vocal “T” supporters from my life, one of whom I used to ski and climb with, and am happier as a result. When your “team” becomes your identity, I find you insufferable. Further, in a country run by money, where the popular vote doesn’t matter, is talking politics productive in any context?
I try not to associate with proud, arrogant fascists.
I feel like I’m aiding them by normalizing it.
I’ve ended a few 30+ year friendships over it.
Many of these people don’t even approach open mindedness.
Objective facts never penetrate.
Often ruin outings with unhinged conspiracies and lies and it’s a real burden to continually bite your tongue. They are always punching down. Pathetically insecure with their masculinity.
Destructive not constructive. And worst of all they appear to be utterly unable to keep it to themselves. They are simply compelled to unleash racist, homophobic idiocy at a moments notice. I too am much happier having cut these toxic traitors out of my life.