Ripple Effect: An Examination of Surfing as a Force for Positive, Lasting Personal and Societal Change

Indianapolis, IN

This study aims to demonstrate how the spiritual, sacred, and metaphysical components of surfing empower the activity as a force for positive, personal and societal change in a community. While many surfers are drawn to surfing for its spiritual attributes, traceable to its roots in ancient Polynesia, there are many others who embrace the sport for purely non-spiritual reasons. Quantitative data was collected by the research team to show how the differing views of these two groups of surfers affect three main areas: environmental ethics, personal growth and maturation, and general community outreach. It is expected the data will show that surfing’s spiritual, sacred, and metaphysical components, which are derived from the sport’s immersive natural experience, positively impact all three areas. The results of this study will hopefully improve perceptions of the sport by those outside of surf culture, and demonstrate to local, state, and national government and civic leaders how the implementation and promotion of surf-related organizations, programs and philanthropies can greatly benefit the communities they represent.