This book stakes the claim formally and authoritatively that we have entered the technological era of surfing. This argument suggests that the most significant differentiating characteristic of the modern surf era is the common acceptance of new technological inputs and the feverous pace at which the surf industry accelerates and extends the technological arsenal available to surfers.
This book argues, it is time to step back and ask: what does it mean to surf in the Anthropocene Ocean? In what ways is technology improving or diminishing our experiences as surfers and the environments where we participate in it. Only when this dialogue occurs can we begin to understand technology in its present tense before considering what kind of future we can or want to create for the future of surfing.
1. Surfing in the technological era: What it means to surf in the
Anthropocene Ocean.- 2. Wave parks and wave pools: removing surfing from the
tyranny of the coast.-
3. Seabed sculpting: altering the seafloor to create
new surf-breaks where they currently do not break.-
4. Sharkless surf:
Employing technology to save lives.-
5. Understanding surf-break
vulnerability in the era of rising seas.-
6. Dodging plastics: Surf
environmental organizations and the quest to remove plastics from the oceans
and beaches where we surf.-
7. Surfing, streaming and surveillance: the
environmental and societal consequences of live surf camera feeds.-
8. Surf
media in the technological era: From Mags to Tags.-
9. From Endless Summer to
the Surf Spring: Technology and surf social movements.-
10. Utilizing apps to
gamify and improve surf-break conservation.-
11. Future Suits: The continual
evolution of the wetsuit.-
12. The Search for the carbon negative surfboard.-
13. Technology and accessibility: Expanding access to surfing through a
myriad of technological improvements.-
14. Have surf, will travel: the end of
surf secrets, crowding in surf destinations and the quest to expand the surf
frontier.
Leon Mach is an Associate Professor of Environmental Policy and Socioeconomic Values at the School for Field Studies in Bocas del Toro, Panama. He is also a Research Associate at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and a member of the National Research System (SNI) of SENACYT, Panama. His teaching and research explore the intersections of tourism, culture, and the environment, with a focus on surf tourism. Widely regarded as a leading voice in this emerging field, Leon has helped shape global discussions around sustainability, local livelihoods, and the cultural geography of surfing. Alongside his academic work, Leon is the co-founder of both the International Association for Surfing Researchers and SeaState Educational Travel, initiatives that expand the reach of surf research and experiential learning across borders. He also serves on the board of Foster the Earth, supporting transformative backpacking opportunities for youth in the foster care system.
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