The Tribe: A Guide to the Language of the Surfing World
The main objective of this handbook is to help the non-surfing public understand what this unique group of individuals, called surfers, is talking about when describing the waves and their ocean culture. The original idea came from a stark realization that there is definitely a cryptic language amongst surfers worldwide, that most people have no idea about, or understanding of.
Release Date: October 1st, 2024
About the book
The Tribe: A Guide to the Language of the Surfing World
The meaning of title this book is to illustrate what has been long said about surfers, which is that they seem to have an unusual camaraderie and language amongst themselves, no matter where they are in the world. Surfers have an almost tribal connection and loyalty to each other, no matter what their native language, ethnicity, or culture may be. They are united in one common cause, which is their love for life, surfing, and the ocean realm.
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The main objective of this handbook is to help the non- surfing public understand what this unique group of individuals, called surfers, is talking about when describing the waves and their ocean culture. The original idea came from a stark realization that there is definitely a cryptic language amongst surfers worldwide, that most people have no understanding of.
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As almost any surfer will tell you, sometimes they may spend hours at their local surf breaks trying to explain to curious onlookers about the strange and amazing events that are unfolding right in front of them. Most surfers are big storytellers by nature, and have a lot to say when asked about what is going on in the water. Often with animated hand gestures and an elevated tone of voice, they will launch into a huge story about surfing with the use of this strange and expressive language.
about The Author
Barry Clayton Power
Born in Playa Del Rey, California, Barry first started surfing at his local surf breaks of the South Bay in Los Angeles. His earliest recollection of riding a surfboard was around 1965 on an old 10 foot longboard at a surf spot called the Ballona Creek. The first surfboard he actually owned was in about 1973. Considering the board to be one of his greatest possessions on earth, this kicked off his lifelong fascination with surfing and the surfing culture. At about the age of 16, he made his first surf trip north to Santa Cruz, California. After getting his first taste of semi-big waves and perfect conditions, Barry was bitten by the surfing bug and never looked back. At that point, he and his friends began to explored basically every nook and cranny of the California coast looking for perfect waves. Searching for greater adventure and uncrowded surf, he then began to travelled deep into Mexico and Central America, exploring as far north as the Oregon border looking for good waves, which was about as far as surfers went north in those days. His first real experience with big waves was in 1989 at a spot called Sloat Boulevard of Ocean Beach in San Francisco, several miles north of the now infamous Mavericks surf break. At this spot he and two of his friends paddled out on a massive winter day, about a half a mile out and far beyond their limits. In 1990, Barry decided to pull up stakes and move permanently to Hawai’i, where he landed on the North Shore of O’ahu and lived at Sunset Beach for several years. Eventually, he moved to Honolulu, where he now resides. After surfing basically every major surf spot on Oahu and the outer islands, along with decades of surfing experience and a water safety certification. Barry is definitely a seasoned surfer with enough ocean experience to share some of his knowledge and stories with those patient enough to listen.