A "rebel tour" via crowdfunding?
It feels (to me anyway) that "we", the surfers, should "own" the collective association that is "surfing", from grassroots board riders clubs, all the way through to the world tours (i.e. mens, womens, juniors, big wave, longboard, etc.)
No corporate ownership. No industry dominance.
How?
Well, crowdfunding comes to mind.
What IF, and yes, it is a BIG if ... But, what if a crowdfunding platform could be used to pull together the funds needed to get the ball rolling on this? With a steering committee to guide the development, and by then using technology (i.e. internet, website, social media, etc) to have "input" from as many "stakeholders" as possible, so the "new" association of surfing develops the way we, the people want?
Sure, the industry will weigh in, and so too the athletes, and that's great. But, the core, the foundation if you will, is that this "new" association of surfing will belong to us, the people, the surfers, the average joe weekend warrior and all our mates EQUALLY with those in the surf industry, the professional surfers, etc. An equal say for all, via say a 'membership' system? An "ownership" model (if it can be called that) so anyone can join and become involved in this "new" association of surfing.
With "our" collective voice and input, this "new" association of surfing (or whatever name "we" collectively decide), can also decide on all the other aspects of the "world tour" and "world titles", such as:
- number of competitors, event locations, waiting periods, etc
- access to media, the competitors, etc.
- judging criteria, and who the judges are
- etc.
Fuck, I don't know, but it seems to me that the historical foundation of surfing feels more aligned with an open ownership model, and with that, the collective input of many has shaped surfing into what it had become ... But, now, this central ownership and control of the "world tour" and the "crowning of a champion" just feels, to me anyway, wrong, way way wrong.
Is it time for a change?
And if so, how?
excellent provocative modern thinking wingman!!i heard Slater was threatening years ago to leave the asp n start a skeleton tour.
i've thought for years about a scenario for surfing similar to that of the FIGHT CLUB movie.call it SURF CLUB.with social media we could create a surf contest sub culture.
there is so much underground talent.i scratch my head year after year why some guys are pounding nails?
the industry has disconnected with the main stream.its not just about talent,you've got to have a certain look to sell board shorts.the teenage trick show is only 1part of the scene.
the big wave tour sounds like only a select few that get in to the country club.
great idea about crowdfunding!i was thinking all confident entrants pay a fee to enter.throw the money in the hat and winner takes all,like gambling?
yeah its ruff,its flawed n u wonder if after awhile the greed n money would just turn it into another corprate cocksucking pro show?????surley we must do something,it feels like an uprising is in the air.
1st rule of SURF CLUB=THERE IS NO SURF CLUB!
I hate rules.
Have you seen this?
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Its-Time-For-A-New-International-Surfing-...
Is it time for a change?