Surfing: Outdoor Technology
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Outdoor Culture and Technology Developing Interest in the Environment through Extreme Sports The Walker School Marietta, Georgia
Transcript of Surfing: Outdoor Technology
Outdoor Culture and TechnologyDeveloping Interest in the Environment through Extreme Sports
The Walker School
Marietta, Georgia
Contact Information
Thomas Cooper
The Walker School, Marietta, GA
Email: [email protected]
Skype: tcooper1966
Twitter: tcooper1966
Blog: http://walkeroutdoors.blogspot.com
Wiki: http://outdoortech.wikispaces.com
Course Themes
Innovation
Technology
Culture
Adventure
Leadership
Safety
Stewardship
Governing Questions
What problems are encountered by explores and how
did they overcome them?
What technology has been used by explorers to discover
our world?
What have explorers learned from interacting with
different cultures?
How has exploration and scientific discovery improved
our society?
What skills did the leaders use to accomplish the
expedition’s goals?
How has our use of natural resources evolved?
An Interdisciplinary Course
Anthropology
Many Extreme Sports
Tow-In Surfing
Skateboarding
Street Luge
Snowboarding
Big Wave Surfing
Sky Surfing
Wakeboarding
Base Jumping
Mountain Biking
Mountain Boarding
BMX Biking
Big Game Hunting
Free Climbing
Solo Circumnavigation
Surfing Culture and Technology
Outdoor Culture and Technology
The Walker School
Surfing Themes
What innovations have been made in the sport since it’s
inception? (innovation)
What technology is currently used to manufacture the
gear used during big wave surfing? (technology)
Where are the major surf locations? (adventure)
What are the major safety concerns of the sport? (safety)
What are the characteristics of surfing culture? (culture)
How can surfers be responsible role models? (leadership)
What efforts are being taken to preserve coastal
sanctuaries? (stewardship)
What innovations have been made in the
sport since it’s inception?
INNOVATION
Milestones in Surfing’s History
1000 year old past time;
invented by the Hawaiians
Developed by the Hawaiian
Culture; born out of pure fun
Major Innovations
Board Size
Board Shape
Board Material
Board Mountings
Use of Jet Ski for Tow-Surfing
What technology is used to manufacture the
gear used for big wave surfing?
TECHNOLOGY
How are surfboards made?
* Show section on surfing
from “Extreme Gadgets”
(about 12 mins.)
What types of surf boards exist?
Long Boards (big guns)
Short Boards
Wind Surf Boards
Tow-In Boards
Foil Boards
Where are the major surf locations?
ADVENTURE
Where are the world’s major waves?
Mavericks, Half Moon Bay, California
Pipeline – North Shore Oahu, Hawaii
Rapi Nui, Island (3000 miles off the coast of Chili)
The Cortes Bank (100 miles off the coast of San Diego)
Teahupo'o, Tahiti
Jaws, Peahi Maui, Hawaii
What are the major categories of surfing?
Pipeline Surfing
Big Wave Surfing
Tow-In Surfing
Pipeline Surfing,
North Shore Oahu, Hawaii
* Show “In the Pipeline”
clip from “Step Into
Liquid” (about 3 mins.)
Riding the Barrel, Teahupo'o, Tahiti
Maneuvering under the barrel, Wave is
created by a large reef
* Show “One of the Girls”
clip from “Step Into
Liquid” (about 5 mins.)
Teahupo'o Wave
Laird, Teahupoo
Big Wave Surfing w/ Long Board
Mavericks, Halfmoon Bay, CA
Tow-In Surfing w/ Tow Board
Jaws - Maui, HI
Hydrofoil Boards Used in Big Waves
Tow-In Surfing at The Cortez Bank, 100 miles off San Diego, CA
* Show “Top of the Sea
Mount” clip from “Step Into
Liquid” (about 8 mins.)
Laird, Tow-In Surfing, Peahi
Jet Ski and Sled Used for Tow-in Surfing.
How Are Big Waves Created?
What geological features produce waves?
Changes in Seafloor
Coral Reefs
Sea Mounts
What weather conditions help to create big
waves?
Low Pressure Systems
Severe Storms
Warm
current Cool
air
Convection
cellCool
current
Warm
air
Equator
Solar
radiation
Warm
water
Warm
currentPolar
front
Cool
current
Cold
water
Energy Transfer to Ocean
How Waves are Measured
Height
Period (time between crests)
Wavelength (distance between
crests)
Variables in Wave Size
Wind Speed
Fetch (length of water over which a wind has blown)
Length of Time
Science of Waveshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocean_surface_wave
Watch: The Science of Big Waveshttp://www.maverickssurf.com/Common/Article.aspx?id=1950
What Are Some Unusual Types of
Surfing?
What are some more unusual types of
surfing?
Foil-Board Surfing
Freshwater Surfing
Oil Tanker Wake Surfing
Ice Calve Surfing (very cold)
Dynamite Surfing (even more stupid)
Foil Board Surfing, Maui, HI
* Show hydrofoil
surfing section from
“Step Into Liquid”
Hydrofoil Boards
Supertanker Wake Surfing, TX
Dynamite Surfing (very stupid)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v/XKFWAE2ED2w&l=84&t=OEgsToPDskJ1ETc_4dj03p5x
WVvcY1ap&sk=bF2cOYs8p31A9QK4wzxtAgU&sourceid=ys
What are the major safety concerns
of the sport?
SAFETY
Health Concerns
Ankle and Leg Sprains
Shoulder Dislocations
Stings and Bites from
Marine Life
Lacerations
Neck and Jaw
Fractures
Drowning
Read: Health Issues for Surfershttp://www.aafp.org/afp/20050615/2313.html
What can you do to protect yourself while
surfing?
What are the characteristics of surfing
culture?
CULTURE
Surfers to Watch
Laird Hamilton
Kelly Slater
Lane Beachley
Taj Burrows
Search the Net: The Who-Is of Surfing
Who has the most world championships?
Who is considered the best trick surfer?
Who is the youngest surfer?
Who discovered tow-in surfing?
Who first tried to surf on a hydrofoil board?
How can surfers be responsible role
models?
LEADERSHIP
Positive or Negative Personality Traits
Seen by others as unproductive, because they spend so
much time in the water.
Many wonder who they are and why the are here.
Many say there is a satisfaction in being able to face a life
threatening challenge and surviving.
They believe that their common interest in the sport
brings people from different cultures together.
Why Take the Risk?
The Aspect of Fear
There is a safety mechanism that has to be overcome
because you are facing something that can kill you
Participating in an extreme sport is a way of testing who
you are.
Life-threatening situations are seen as spiritually purifying.
Many say the adrenaline rush is addictive.
Many suffer from depression when not surfing.
What efforts are being taken to
preserve coastal sanctuaries?
STEWARDSHIP
Environmental Concerns
Making Surf Competitions Climate Neutral
Protecting Coral Reefs
Beach Erosion
Solid Waste Removal
Preserving Marine Sanctuaries
What do the
oceans do for us?
Discovery Questions
Where is the world’s largest reef system?
What conditions are necessary for reef formation?
What are the components of a typical reef’s food web?
Why are reef systems important for the entire ocean?
Why are reefs important to our modern society?
What technology is being employed in the study of reefs?
Reef Characteristics
Clear water
Shallow water
Warm water (18-30 C)
Slow growth rate
Ecologically complex
ReefBasehttp://www.reefbase.org
ReefBase GIS Data Example
Data and LANDSAT Imagery Available
Discovery Questions
How can satellites be employed to monitor coral reefs?
How do satellites capture data on reefs from space?
What are some advantages and disadvantages of using
satellite imagery to study reefs?
What is a geographical information system (GIS)
database?
Coral Reef Conservationhttp://www.coralreef.noaa.gov/
Discovery Questions
Why are reefs declining around the world?
What studies are currently being conducted on reefs
around the world?
What strategies are being employed to preserve reefs?
Think about various biological, technical, economic, and
legislative avenues.
What human activities are helping to destroy reefs?
What can you do to help protect reefs?
Threats to Survival
Severe Storms
Freshwater Floods
Invasion of Predatory Fish
Coral Bleaching
Sediment Runoff
Tourism
Required Reading
http://outdoortech.wikispaces.com
Book Discussion Questions
Grading Rubric
Course Projects
Life Lists
Exploration Timeline
Adventure Power Kits
Outdoor Ethnographies
Wilderness Rescue Video
Adventure Layer in Google
Earth
