Innovation is Perspective

This article is interesting in that Dogman lists the ten most significant surfing equipment innovations. Now I don’t necessarily agree with all his entries. For one, I don’t see photographic innovations as part of the forward momentum of surfing. Also, the Internet has changed the way we exchange surfing information and communicate with other surfers while cams and forecasts have made things easier but not necessarily pushed the art or sport of surfing. It has, however, changed surf culture, but the Internet has changed our culture itself, so maybe that goes without saying. The leash definitely enabled more people to ride waves more safely but I don’t feel it pushed the parameters of overall surfing skill levels. In fact, riding without a leash takes even more confidence and waterman skills. Now I thought that I was the only guy who realized the enormous effect of removable fins on surfboard travel and versatility. And, heck yeah, the wetsuit has changed the way we surf in spots outside the tropics. Seasons and locations that were previously unsurfable are now open for exploration and shredding. But if we are going to mention the thruster as a significant innovation, we can’t leave out the introduction of fiberglass in the 1940’s. Say hello to light, strong surfboards that allowed surfers to soar into more artistic lines on the waves. Overall, Dogman is on the money with the PWC. I’d say the PWC is like the Internet of surfing, making all things unthinkable suddenly commonplace. In other news, how about the coming and going of International Surfing Day? What did you guys and gals do for the "holiday"? The surf in m quadrant was minimal, but I've been hearing from folks all around the globe who celebrated in different ways. Share your thoughts below or go to the forum and tell me what you did.