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| left: source unknown, right: photo by Morgan Maassen |
Last week I had a weird experience. I was showing a friend surfing videos and I told him about all these amazing women surfers that basically just blow a majority of surfers out of the water with their athleticism. I wanted to show an example, so I played a video of what I thought was going to be a good show of their prowess. Instead, I was surprised to just see ass, boobs, ass, boobs, ass and did I mention more boobs?
I actually was quite embarrassed.
What it was, was a mixture of embarrassment and disappointment. Sexual innuendos and lewd remarks aren't the first things I want to hear when it comes up to the women I look up to in the surf world. Ever.
Don't get me wrong, all these girls were beautiful and probably only wear clothes because they're socially obligated to do so (I would kill, maybe badly maim someone, for their abs). I've seen interviews done with these women and I've seen them perform at numerous contests. They have high intelligence, courage and dedication... especially to perservere in a predominately testosterone saturated lifestyle.
It's inevitable that women are going to be scantily clad in bikinis when they're surfing in the most beautiful-you-want-to-vomit-outta-jealousy spots in tropical climates. I'm not stupid and I'm not a prude nun that demands 5/4 suits all-year round... with hoods... and boots... And add those silly gloves while you're at it. Sex and surfing are in a serious long-term relationship with each other, everyone knows it. But, when you're advertising how your bikinis stand up in surf conditions, you should probably SHOW it. If I were in a great surf spot and it called for a two-piece, you bet your Brazilian cut bikini I would wear one. But, like most girls, I'd do it for myself.
Women, sexuality and surfing is discussed so much it has become an eye-rolling and yawn-inducing topic. I feel like only the bricks around my house are the ones to absorb the words, and the not the people I speak to, about this topic. It shouldn't be like that. These girls are sexy, of course! But, these women are also elite athletes that deserve the best waves, sponsors and contests but yet cannot get the support needed without selling something else. Contests get cancelled due to small crowds and lack of sponsors, but sex sells and the crowd is hungry.
What are your thoughts about women and sexuality in surfing?