"New management, along with ownership, is leaning into a 'surfer first' strategy...."
Three years ago, I embarked upon an epic quest across these United States in search of the mythical non-surfing World Surf League fan. The global home of surfing had, since its inception in 2015 circa 1976, been tailoring its product to that audience and I felt it was my duty, as a surf journalist, to discover one. Beginning in Cardiff by the Sea, I drove to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where I did not find one. I broke down in Tucumcari, New Mexico, where I did not find one. I spent a night in Amarillo, Texas while waiting to get the car fixed, where I did not find one. I continued on to Oklahoma City where then-World Surf League CEO Erik Logan texted me that the legendary Sooner Boomer Barry Switzer was one and put me on a text chain with Switzer and his wife. It turned out that it was not, in fact, Switzer though was his wife who was not pleased and replied to Logan, me and the rando, “Totally strange. Stop all messages to me.”
After that it was Memphis, Tennessee where I did not find one then Nashville, Tennessee where I might have found one. I can’t really remember. No matter now, though, as the the World Surf League has officially abandoned the lot of them.
In a stunning LinkedIn message, the newly appointed Director of Athlete Relations Chris Heffner openly declared, I’m exciting to step in at a time when the League is shifting focus — no more chasing the mythical ‘surf fan’ that doesn’t surf.”
Wails of anguish could be heard rising up from Norman, Napersville and North Ogden.
Not finished twisting the knife, Heffner continued, “New management, along with ownership, is leaning into a ‘surfer first’ strategy…. and I’m here for it.”
Howls of sorrow could be heard rising up from Peoria, Pleasant Township and Pontiac.
Heffner went on to describe how this pivot has led to better partnerships with cooler brands… like Neutrogena, kicking Shiseido in the teeth once more.
But what do you make of all this? Are there enough surf fans who surf, on earth, to sustain the tour?
Currently more questions than anwers.
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I fucking hate Oklahoma
II you’ve surfed before, you’ll appreciate WSL. Some people have moved inland and can no longer surf but still be fans because they’ve surfed before.
I was recently in Zurich Switzerland where I met a French man, while not a surf fan per se, he did like the photo of Medina kicking out of Teahupo’o during the olymics.
its time to get Authentic Brans to join with WSL. Jamie Salter has the vision and the dough.
Hes Canadian but in few years we will have a 51st state. America 1st. Surfer 1st. See the vibe. https://uploads.disquscdn.c…
Agree dude. If the only relevant metric here is short term financial, you are quite correct – the most short term profitable way forward probably is to side with gangster-capitalist Russia.
Personally, I attach great value to the rules based systems instituted post WWII, I see them as entirely responsible for the utopian life of peace & prosperity I have led. I wouldn’t dream of discarding the huge gains fought for by that generation for a little ca$h – I feel it cheapens their sacrifice.
As if ‘stepping off’ has ever been a realistic option since the proliferation of ICBMs – you’d better hope Elon can “get your ass to Mars squrtk…”!
But I’m picking you surf though, so you’re partially the target audience.
The ebb and flow of Beach Grit is decidedly, if nothing else, current-ly-ish
Heff has always been good to me. Wishing him nothing but success.
Love Surfing
Zero interest in surf comps.
The legendary HB resident Ronnie G shared your opinion until tbe cops arrived
im a surf fan who doesn’t surf. Maybe a somewhat new fan but trying to learn and watch as much as I can! Even woken up extra early sometimes to watch the competitions that are in different time zones. Just watched a wave pool competition for the first time (abu dhabi pro) and personally was not a fan
I’ve gotta go clean my teeth after reading this.
I’m not worthy of such sweetness
At least you have teeth unlike many lurking in the BG comments
But have you ever surfed Oklahoma like the author of this article?
Lol I’m probably missing some sort of nuance or satire that’s going on but I’ve never surfed anywhere and definitely not in Oklahoma. And if I were to start surfing…it definitely wouldn’t be in Oklahoma either 😂 born and raised in san diego and still live there now. Hoping to give it a try sometime soon!
Ou messiah Chas Smith traveled through Oklahoma during a car delivery adventure, so we are left to wonder if anyone has wake surfed in the red water this state is famous for:
https://beachgrit.com/2022/…
As for your surfing plans, there is no better time than tomorrow to begin your surf journey! Take lessons, wear a warm wetsuit, avoid the kooks but of greater importance do not take too much of what is posted on this site as gospel.
Ahh okay that article was very helpful! It’s definitely been an interesting journey…I learned about the WSL and how to watch competitions about a year ago, and I really enjoyed it and started watching nearly all of them. But then more recently I have been following more surf stuff online and reading the comments and whatnot so I’m just now starting to learn the pros and cons of WSL and it’s history and how surfers themselves feel about it. Everyone I’ve talked to online about it has been really helpful and nice!
And yes just the other week I researched different types of wetsuits and the water temperatures here and have been looking at some online! Next will probably be board research!
Thanks for the help! 🙂
Check out Surf Divas in LaJolla Shores for lessons, rental wetsuit’s and general guidance, They were great for my wife a few decades ago.
levis’s for sale…four sizes…and a col.a;pk ntl jersey…
It really doesn’t matter if there’s enough surf fans on the face of the Earth to sustain the tour, (there is probably not enough, not even close).
Cause there’s just one Dirk Ziff (and Natasha and Dirks billions), and that’s enough to sustain the tour.
Happily wife—happy life…
(plus it’s a tax write off—win, win).
The ability to own a money losing toy like the WSL all for tbe sake of offsetting the investment portfolio gains Dirk’s dad gifted him is something few on these pages can fathom
Yes, but it’s a tax write off too, (and Natasha’s happy also).
plains are rich w/ bison and shit~
let’s burn down the mission walls. or not`
Bernie Taupen likes your thinking
i linked-up w/ Elton. “Tiny Dancer…Get Outtama House.”
Lol at this guy’s LinkedIn profile. What a kook.
Seems to be a step in the right direction maybe? First things first, any and all wave tanks has to be taken off tour. I’d rather watch shitty QS events in onshore slop than the KS wave co bullshit. That’s just me though, maybe people enjoy the tubs.
Nothing screams core surf fan like a wavepool contest in Abu Dhabi!
CAVIAR? UNI`
I reckon the core surf fan (who surfs) can be found in the live threads here when a ct is running in good waves. The last two days of the pipe ct being a good example. Though I’m not sure how they can make any money out of us.
Plenty, plenty of not-surf fans who do not surf that are sitting and bobbing on the inside on WaveStorms over here in New Jersey from June to Labor Day. You can find them drunk on Miller Lite in NFL jerseys at their local has-beens infested fake sports bars every Sunday in the fall.
Ain’t no surf in Oklahoma
Just the whistle of Kelly’s surf train
You’ll know when it’s coming for ya
Riding in on the wozzle pain
is there any surf in Montana…asking for Otto?
TAKE US TO THE TOP O’R DA STAIRS AND DON’T HOLD BACK…