Has Social Media and Influencer Culture Diminished the True Spirit of Surfing?

Surfing has always been more than just a sport to me. It is a way of life, a personal journey, an identity one must work hard to attain the title of surfer. but today, the surf world looks very different from the one I knew growing up in the 1980s and 1990s. Back then, surfing was raw, independent, and often a solitary pursuit. Now, it seems dominated by social media, influencers, and a commercialized lifestyle that sometimes feels disconnected from the true essence of the sport. Has surfing lost its soul in this new era?

Most of the time, all I can afford to ride is a trash board and this was given to me out of the Ding King's Scrap Pile.

Surfing in the 80s and 90s: A Personal Journey

When I first started surfing, I didn’t have the luxury of brand-new boards or fancy gear. My boards were often secondhand, sometimes even too small for me, and far from perfect. I spent countless hours alone in the water, learning through trial and error. There was no YouTube tutorial or influencer to guide me. I stared at pictures in surfer magazine and wondered how that was possible...Every wave I caught was a small victory earned through persistence and hard work.

This solitary learning process was crucial. It taught me patience, resilience, and how to read the ocean. Surfing was deeply personal, something you discovered by doing, not by watching or buying advice. Socio-economics plays a big part on why I was bullied then, and why I am kept from any success now despite every attempt I have made in bettering myself, which includes 2 college degrees... No one cares.

The Rise of Social Media and Influencers

Today, surfing culture has shifted dramatically. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have turned surfing into a visual spectacle. Influencers showcase perfect waves, stylish gear, and exotic locations, often sponsored by big brands. This has created a new kind of surf culture focused on image, popularity, and commercial success.

While this visibility has helped grow the sport and bring new people into the water, it also changes the way surfing is experienced. Many beginners now expect quick results and look for shortcuts through online tutorials or paid coaching. Their instant gratification mentality makes them unsafe in the water and unstable on land. The idea of learning through personal struggle and discovery is fading. Instead, surfing is sometimes treated like a product to consume rather than a craft to master.

Surfing’s Socio-Economics

The modern surf industry is booming, but it also reflects broader socio-economic divides. In the past, surfing was accessible to those willing to put in the time and effort, regardless of wealth. Today, high-quality boards, wetsuits, and travel to prime surf spots can be expensive. Influencers often promote luxury lifestyles that many cannot afford, creating a sense of exclusion. The real surfer understands the true art and knows they must craft and create their own vessel if they are ever going to be legitimate.

This shift affects how people relate to surfing. For some, it becomes a status symbol or a way to gain social media fame rather than a personal challenge or connection to nature. The original spirit of surfing as a humble, self-taught pursuit risks being overshadowed by commercial interests and online personas.

The Value of Independent Learning in Surfing

One of the most important lessons from my surfing experience is the value of independent learning. When you figure things out on your own, you develop a deeper understanding and respect for the ocean. Mistakes become valuable teachers, and every small improvement feels earned. Your body and muscles have to learn things that the mind can't teach the body until it experiences what needs to be learned. I don't care who the coach is!

This process builds character and confidence. It also keeps surfing authentic and personal. When secrets and techniques are handed out too easily or sold as quick fixes, the journey loses meaning. Surfing stops being an artform and becomes a crafty commodity.

Finding Balance in the Modern Surf World

That said, social media and influencers are not all bad. They can inspire new surfers, share safety tips, and promote environmental awareness. The key is balance. Surf culture can embrace new technology and platforms without losing its core values.

Here are some ways to keep surfing authentic in today’s world:

• Focus on personal growth rather than online validation.

• Respect the ocean and the learning process.

• Support local surf communities and small businesses.

• Use social media mindfully, sharing genuine experiences instead of staged moments.

• Encourage newcomers to learn through experience, not just tutorials or paid coaching.

  
  

Soul of Surfing Still There?

Despite the changes, the soul of surfing remains alive for those who honestly seek it. It lives in the early mornings spent alone, the sunset sessions after a long day's work....

Surfing is a personal journey that requires patience, effort, and humility. The modern surf world may look different, but the essence can still be found by those willing to put in the work and embrace the solitude that surfing once demanded.

To be continued...

Jeremie