Surfing is a unique sport. It can be so enthralling… so enchanting… so addictive… that, for some surfers, it can go beyond pleasurable and become a toxic experience damaging relationships, families, career, and even health. Sociologists have called this phenomenon as going past the “stoke apex”. These surfers have become victims of what journalist William Finnegan described as … [Read more...]
Seven deadly sins of sports sartorialism and style.
There are hundreds of fashion choices that look ridiculous, foolish, horrible and offensive in a sporting context but seven particular style choices brand the "sinner" almost beyond redemption. Socrates smugly sticks his massive nose in the air and points the finger of sartorial disgrace at the "sins" he finds most hideous. Sin No. 1 Boardshorts are for boards. If … [Read more...]
Sluggos versus boardshorts – The definitive swimwear “road-test”
Fifty years ago, the average Australian male would lounge around at the beach wearing little more than a brief pair of speedos. Women, on the other hand, were just breaking through the prudery barrier and beginning to wear bikinis that were slightly more revealing than their traditional one pieces. In the 21st century the roles have reversed. Red-blooded he-men of … [Read more...]
How come everyone is wearing board shorts?
A few days ago my daughter reeled in horror and scolded me fiercely as I emerged from the water at the beach in a pair of relatively modest European-style swimmers that revealed no more than a pair of “boy-leg” undies or snug boxer shorts would. Hardly revealing! In my daughter’s world men wear board shorts! She was horrified. When I pleaded for some tolerance and explained … [Read more...]