Surfing Places, Surfboard Makers: Craft, Creativity, and Cultural Heritage in Hawaii, California, and Australia

Name: Surfing Places, Surfboard Makers: Craft, Creativity, and Cultural Heritage in Hawaii, California, and Australia
Price: 28.00 USD
Availability: InStock
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5.0 of 5 Stars: Australia & Oceania - Surfing Places, Surfboard Makers: Craft, Creativity, and Cultural Heritage in Hawaii, California, and Australia

$28.00

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Book Synopsis: Over the last forty years, surfing has emerged from its Pacific islands origins to become a global industry. Since its beginnings more than a thousand years ago, surfing’s icon has been the surfboard—its essential instrument, the point of physical connection between human and nature, body and wave. To a surfer, a board is more than a piece of equipment; it is a symbol, a physical emblem of cultural, social, and emotional meanings. Based on research in three important surfing locations—Hawai‘i, southern California, and southeastern Australia—this is the first book to trace the surfboard from regional craft tradition to its key role in the billion-dollar surfing business. The surfboard workshops of Hawai‘i, California, and Australia are much more than sites of surfboard manufacturing. They are hives of creativity where legacies of rich cultural heritage and the local environment combine to produce unique, bold board designs customized to suit prevailing waves. The globalization and corporatization of surfing have presented small, independent board makers with many challenges stemming from the wide availability of cheap, mass-produced boards and the influx of new surfers. The authors follow the story of board makers who have survived these challenges and stayed true to their calling by keeping the mythology and creativity of board making alive. In addition, they explore the heritage of the craft, the secrets of custom board production, the role of local geography in shaping board styles, and the survival of hand-crafting skills.From the olo boards of ancient Hawaiian kahuna to the high-tech designs that represent the current state of the industry, Surfing Places, Surfboard Makers offers an entrée into the world of surfboard making that will find an eager audience among researchers and students of Pacific culture, history, geography, and economics, as well as surfing enthusiasts.

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Are you ready to dive into the captivating world of surfing? Look no further than "Surfing Places, Surfboard Makers: Craft, Creativity, and Cultural Heritage in Hawaii, California, and Australia." This groundbreaking book takes you on a journey across three iconic surfing destinations, uncovering the rich history and cultural significance of the surfboard. From its humble beginnings as a regional craft tradition to its pivotal role in the billion-dollar surfing industry, the surfboard has transcended its material nature to become a symbol of passion, connection, and artistry.

Delve deep into the thriving surfboard workshops of Hawaii, California, and Australia, where the blend of cultural heritage and local environment gives rise to bold, customized board designs that perfectly suit the prevailing waves. Uncover the challenges faced by independent board makers in the face of mass-produced boards and an influx of new surfers. Discover the stories of those who have triumphed, staying true to their calling and keeping the mythology and creativity of board making alive.

But "Surfing Places, Surfboard Makers" doesn't stop at documenting the present; it also explores the craft's heritage, the secrets behind custom board production, the influence of local geography on board styles, and the survival of hand-crafting skills. From ancient Hawaiian kahuna and their olo boards to the cutting-edge designs of today, this book is a comprehensive exploration of the art and soul of surfboard making.

Whether you're a researcher, a student of Pacific culture, geography, or economics, or simply a passionate surfing enthusiast, "Surfing Places, Surfboard Makers" is a must-read. Immerse yourself in the enthralling world of surfboard making and gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and history behind this iconic symbol of the surfing world.

Ready to embark on this exhilarating journey? Get your copy of "Surfing Places, Surfboard Makers" today and satisfy your thirst for knowledge and adventure.

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