Riding the Wave: History, Definitions, and a Proposed Typology of Surf-Riding Tourism

Surfing has evolved from a fringe counterculture recreational activity to a multibillion dollar global industry with a diverse range of equipment and millions of participants. The growth and influence of surfing, in its myriad of forms, has not been widely researched and is scarcely reported in the academic literature. This article reviews the history and development of surfing, offers definitions of surf-riding and surf-riding tourism, and proposes a typology that classifies surf-riding on the basis of four categories. Hard-core surf-riders are dedicated, focused, and have high levels of ability and commitment. recreational surf-riders range from competent to expert in ability, but they seek the “stoke” of surfing through participation, surfing a wide range of wave types and surfing as well as they can. Casual surf-riders are novices who engage in surf-riding or attempting to ride waves as part of a wider beach and water recreational experience. “kooks” are surf-riders characterized by a mismatch between their ability and the conditions they venture out into. Each of these types of surf-riders represents a different sector of the surf-riding tourism market. The surf-riding typology proposed in this article can be used as a basis for understanding the activities more clearly and as a framework for future research.