"Creating Inclusive Surfing Media for Women"

The Male Gaze: How Surfing Media Reinforces a Stereotypical Image

As we paddle out to catch the next big wave, it's easy to get caught up in the thrill of the ride. But have you ever stopped to think about how our favorite surfers are represented on screen? Do they reflect the diverse and complex women who actually ride the waves?

I remember a particularly memorable surfing film that came across my radar - "Soul Surfer" (2011) directed by Jay Coen-Greene. The movie tells the true story of Bethany Hamilton, a young girl from Hawaii who lost her arm in a shark attack and continued to surf despite the odds against her. At first glance, the film appears to be a triumphant underdog story, with Bethany riding massive waves and overcoming incredible adversity.

However, as I watched the movie, I couldn't help but notice that Bethany's story was told largely from a male perspective. Her journey is portrayed through the eyes of her husband Adam (Dennis Quaid), who is shown to be supportive and protective of her, while Bethany herself is relegated to a more passive role.

But what about the women around Bethany? Where were they in this story? The film doesn't give them much screen time, let alone develop their characters or personalities. Instead, we're left with Adam's voiceover commentary, which adds a layer of emotional depth and validation to Bethany's journey.

This is just one example of how the male gaze can perpetuate stereotypes in surfing media. Female surfers are often relegated to secondary roles or portrayed as inspirational figures, rather than complex and multidimensional human beings.

The Problem with Representing Women in Surfing Media

So why do we see so many women in surfing media - movies, TV shows, and photography campaigns - but not enough of them being the main characters? There are a few reasons for this:

1. Stereotypes: We've been conditioned to believe that female surfers are less capable or less dedicated than their male counterparts.
2. Lack of representation: Until recently, there wasn't a strong demand for women in surfing media - until someone like Bethany Hamilton came along and started making waves (pun intended).
3. Commercialism: Many surfing brands have traditionally marketed to men, which has led to a lack of attention to the needs and experiences of female surfers.

Breaking Down the Barrier

So what can we do to start creating more inclusive and diverse surfing media? Here are a few ideas:

1. Give women main roles: We need to see more women as the drivers of our stories, rather than just inspirational figures.
2. Develop complex characters: Let's create more nuanced and multi-dimensional female surfers who aren't just "wacky beach girls."
3. Include diverse perspectives: We need to hear from different types of female surfers - those with disabilities, those from different cultures, etc.

Empowering Women in Surfing Media

By breaking down the barrier and creating more inclusive surfing media, we can start to see a shift towards greater representation and diversity. Here are some ways to get started:

1. Support women-led brands: Look for surf brands that prioritize female empowerment and inclusivity.
2. Attend events with women speakers: Attend surfing events and conferences where women are speaking about their experiences and expertise.
3. Join online communities: Join online forums and social media groups where women in surfing share their stories and advice.

By working together, we can create a more inclusive and diverse surf community that reflects the complexity and diversity of women's lives. So next time you're out on the water, remember to look beyond the male gaze and appreciate the incredible women who are riding the waves. The Female Gaze: How Surfing Media Reinforces Stereotypical Images

As we paddle out to catch the next big wave, it's easy to get caught up in the thrill of the ride. But have you ever stopped to think about how our favorite female surfers are represented on screen? Do they reflect the diverse and complex women who actually ride the waves?

I remember a particularly memorable surfing film that came across my radar - "Soul Surfer" (2011) directed by Jay Coen-Greene. The movie tells the true story of Bethany Hamilton, a young girl from Hawaii who lost her arm in a shark attack and continued to surf despite the odds against her. At first glance, the film appears to be a triumphant underdog story, with Bethany riding massive waves and overcoming incredible adversity.

However, as I watched the movie, I couldn't help but notice that Bethany's story was told largely from a male perspective. Her journey is portrayed through the eyes of her husband Adam (Dennis Quaid), who is shown to be supportive and protective of her, while Bethany herself is relegated to a more passive role.

But what about the women around Bethany? Where were they in this story? The film doesn't give them much screen time, let alone develop their characters or personalities. Instead, we're left with Adam's voiceover commentary, which adds a layer of emotional depth and validation to Bethany's journey.

This is just one example of how the female gaze can perpetuate stereotypes in surfing media. Female surfers are often relegated to secondary roles or portrayed as inspirational figures, rather than complex and multidimensional human beings.

The Problem with Representing Women in Surfing Media

So why do we see so many women in surfing media - movies, TV shows, and photography campaigns - but not enough of them being the main characters? There are a few reasons for this:

• Stereotypes: We've been conditioned to believe that female surfers are less capable or less dedicated than their male counterparts.
• Lack of representation: Until recently, there wasn't a strong demand for women in surfing media - until someone like Bethany Hamilton came along and started making waves (pun intended).
• Commercialism: Many surfing brands have traditionally marketed to men, which has led to a lack of attention to the needs and experiences of female surfers.

Breaking Down the Barrier

So what can we do to start creating more inclusive and diverse surfing media? Here are a few ideas:

• Give women main roles: We need to see more women as the drivers of our stories, rather than just inspirational figures.
• Develop complex characters: Let's create more nuanced and multi-dimensional female surfers who aren't just "wacky beach girls."
• Include diverse perspectives: We need to hear from different types of female surfers - those with disabilities, those from different cultures, etc.

Empowering Women in Surfing Media

By breaking down the barrier and creating more inclusive surfing media, we can start to see a shift towards greater representation and diversity. Here are some ways to get started:

• Support women-led brands: Look for surf brands that prioritize female empowerment and inclusivity.
• Attend events with women speakers: Attend surfing events and conferences where women are speaking about their experiences and expertise.
• Join online communities: Join online forums and social media groups where women in surfing share their stories and advice.

By working together, we can create a more inclusive and diverse surf community that reflects the complexity and diversity of women's lives. So next time you're out on the water, remember to look beyond the male gaze and appreciate the incredible women who are riding the waves..