"Surfing Journalism's Golden Age"

The Thrill of the Wave: A Journey Through Surfing Competitions and Events, Media Coverage, and Journalism

As I stepped onto the beach at Pipeline, Hawaii, in 1968, I felt a rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins. It was the beginning of an era that would change the face of surfing forever – the Golden Age of Surfing Competition. This iconic event marked the start of a new chapter in the world of surf journalism and media coverage.

In this blog post, we'll take a journey through the history of surfing journalism, starting with an example of one of the most influential competitions in the sport's early days.

The First Major Surf Competition: The 1968 World Surfing Championships

On December 11, 1968, I was there to witness the birth of the modern surf competition. The first-ever International Surfing Association (ISA) World Surfing Championships took place at Pipeline, with a field of 25 surfers from around the world competing for the coveted title. This event marked a significant turning point in surfing's transition from a grassroots phenomenon to a global sport.

The success of this inaugural championship sparked a surge in interest and investment in surf competitions, paving the way for events like the X Games Surf Competition (1995) and the World Surf League (WSL) Tour (1976).

From Print to Digital: The Rise of Surf Journalism

As surfing's popularity grew, so did the demand for high-quality storytelling. In the early 1980s, surf magazines began popping up on newsstands and online platforms. These publications provided a platform for surfers, riders, and industry insiders to share their experiences, tips, and insights.

One of the pioneers of surfing journalism was Bill Nesse, who co-founded Surfer magazine with his wife, Karen Nesse. Their publication became synonymous with the sport, offering in-depth interviews, feature articles, and photography that captivated readers worldwide.

The Golden Age of Surf Journalism

The 1980s to the mid-1990s are often referred to as the "Golden Age" of surfing journalism. This era saw a proliferation of surf publications, including magazines like Surfer (founded in 1972), Transworld Surfing, and Surferer.

During this time, legendary riders like Kelly Slater, John John Florence, and Laird Hamilton became household names, thanks to the expertise of pioneering journalists like Greg Noll, Mark Richards, and Jim Jannard. These trailblazers helped shape the sport's narrative, exploring themes like environmentalism, social justice, and personal growth.

The Digital Age: Surf Journalism Evolves

With the advent of the internet, surfing journalism underwent a significant transformation. Online platforms like Surfer.com, Surfline, and Surfing World Magazine enabled surfers to share their experiences directly with a global audience.

This shift allowed for increased collaboration between journalists, riders, and industry professionals, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic community. Today, surfing journalism encompasses a wide range of voices, styles, and perspectives, ensuring that the sport remains relevant and engaging for fans worldwide.

Legacy and Impact

The history of surfing journalism is a testament to the power of human connection and storytelling. From its humble beginnings to the present day, surf competitions have inspired generations of riders, while media coverage has shaped the sport's cultural landscape.

As we look back on this journey, it's clear that surfing journalism has played a significant role in shaping the sport into what it is today. By sharing the stories, struggles, and triumphs of surfers around the world, these pioneers have helped create a community that transcends borders and inspires action.

In conclusion, the world of surfing competitions and events, media coverage, and journalism is a rich tapestry of human experience and creative expression. As we continue to push the boundaries of this sport, it's essential to honor the legacy of surf journalists who have paved the way for us to tell these stories that inspire and motivate us all.

Featured Surfing Competitions and Events

• World Surf League Tour
• X Games Surf Competition (1995)
• ISA World Surfing Championships (1968)
• Pipeline Pro Surf Competition

Recommended Surfing Books

• "The Surfer's Way" by Jay Adams
• "Surf's Up: A History of Surfboard Design and Construction" by Greg Noll
• "Surfing the Big One: The Story Behind Laird Hamilton's Quest to Ride the World's Largest Wave" by Chris Parker

Recommended Surfing Magazines

• Surfer Magazine (1972-present)
• Transworld Surfing (1986-1998)
• Surferer (2000-2013)

Get Involved in Surf Journalism

• Share your own surfing stories and experiences on social media using #SurfingJournalism
• Join online forums or attend local surf competitions to network with fellow journalists and riders.
• Consider pursuing a degree in journalism, communications, or a related field to launch your career. The article provides an excellent overview of the history of surfing journalism, from its early days to the present. It highlights key events, publications, and individuals that have played a significant role in shaping the sport's narrative. Here are some takeaways and suggestions:

Key Takeaways:

1. The first major surf competition was the 1968 ISA World Surfing Championships at Pipeline, Hawaii.
2. The success of this event sparked a surge in interest and investment in surf competitions, paving the way for events like the X Games Surf Competition (1995) and the World Surf League (WSL) Tour (1976).
3. Surf journalism has evolved significantly over the years, from print to digital platforms, with the rise of online newsstands and social media.
4. The Golden Age of Surf Journalism (1980s-1990s) saw a proliferation of surf publications, including magazines like Surfer Magazine, Transworld Surfing, and Surferer.

Recommended Reading:

1. "The Surfer's Way" by Jay Adams
2. "Surf's Up: A History of Surfboard Design and Construction" by Greg Noll
3. "Surfing the Big One: The Story Behind Laird Hamilton's Quest to Ride the World's Largest Wave" by Chris Parker

Recommended Publications:

1. Surfer Magazine (1972-present)
2. Transworld Surfing (1986-1998)
3. Surferer (2000-2013)

Online Platforms:

1. Surfer.com
2. Surfline
3. Surfing World Magazine

Suggested Activities:

1. Research and write about a specific surfing competition or event in the history of surf journalism.
2. Create an online community or forum for surfers to share their own stories and experiences.
3. Develop a content strategy for your own social media platforms, focusing on sharing surf-related news, tips, and insights.

Additional Resources:

1. Surfing Industry Association (SIA)
2. International Surfing Association (ISA)
3. World Surf League (WSL)