{"product_id":"surfing-and-social-theory-experience-embodiment-and-narrative","title":"Surfing and Social Theory: Experience, Embodiment and Narrative","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of Surfing and Social Theory readers looking for an intellectual, culturally aware examination of surfing will find a sustained and thoughtful analysis. The book is best for readers who want more than technique or travel writing: it is a study of surfing as a social phenomenon that links historical roots, lifestyle, and identity through rigorous theoretical tools. The single biggest reason to pick this book is its clear focus on how surfing shapes and is shaped by emotion, embodiment and culture, making it a useful resource for students, researchers and curious surfers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTheoretical framing:\u003c\/strong\u003e The authors apply social theory to surfing so readers can trace how mind, body and narrative shape surf experience.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCultural scope:\u003c\/strong\u003e Attention to the globalization of surfing explains how local practices become part of a global surf culture.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEmbodiment and gender:\u003c\/strong\u003e The book explores how surfing is lived and gendered, offering insight into identity and bodily experience.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSensory focus:\u003c\/strong\u003e Emphasis on aesthetics, style and sensory experience helps readers understand surfing beyond technique or competition.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInterdisciplinary sources:\u003c\/strong\u003e Drawing on popular surf culture and academic literature gives the commentary depth and varied perspective.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book suits graduate students, cultural researchers, sociologists and serious enthusiasts who want a rigorous account of surfing as a social and cultural practice rather than a how-to manual. It will also interest readers curious about the interplay of sport, lifestyle and identity in contemporary society.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCasual surfers seeking practical tips, beginners wanting technique instruction, or readers looking for coffee-table imagery should look elsewhere, as the text prioritizes analysis and narrative over photographs or technical guidance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWell-grounded use of \u003cstrong\u003esocial theory\u003c\/strong\u003e connects surfing to broader cultural and emotional frameworks.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClear discussion of the \u003cstrong\u003eglobalization of surfing\u003c\/strong\u003e situates local scenes within global trends.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEngaged treatment of \u003cstrong\u003eembodiment and gender\u003c\/strong\u003e provides thoughtful perspectives on identity in the water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot aimed at readers seeking practical surfing instruction or abundant imagery, which limits appeal for some casual buyers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTitle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSurfing and Social Theory: Experience, Embodiment and Narrative of the Dream Glide\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAuthors\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNick Ford, David Brown\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFocus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSocial and cultural meaning of surfing\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCore themes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMind and body; emotions and identity; aesthetics and style; sensory experience\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTopics included\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePerceptions of the sea and beach; globalization; subculture and lifestyle; embodiment and gendering\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproach\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInterdisciplinary analysis using popular culture and academic literature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSurfing and Social Theory is a compact, rigorous study that rewards readers who want to understand surfing as a cultural practice. It is good value for students and researchers because it synthesizes theory and popular culture into a focused examination of embodiment, identity and globalization in surfing, though it is not a substitute for technical guides or heavily illustrated volumes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this book suitable for academic courses?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. Its theoretically rigorous approach and interdisciplinary sources make it suitable as a secondary text for courses in sociology, cultural studies and sport studies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the book include photography or technique instruction?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo. The emphasis is analytical and narrative rather than photographic or instructional, so readers seeking technique will need a different title.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho are the authors?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNick Ford and David Brown are the book's authors, and they combine perspectives from popular surf culture and academic literature to analyze surfing's social meaning.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick Ford, David Brown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48226781233371,"sku":"0415334322","price":240.77,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/61qS1hkgHxL._SL1365.jpg?v=1770372697","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/surfing-and-social-theory-experience-embodiment-and-narrative","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}