Surfing and electronic music may seem like an unusual pairing at first glance, but they share a deeper connection that intertwines the spirit of adventure, the embrace of innovation, and a certain reverence for the flow state that both surfers and electronic music enthusiasts often describe.
The connection begins with the concept of flow — a mental state of operation in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment. This concept is central to both surfing and electronic music. For surfers, it's about the harmony between the surfer and the wave, the moment where everything else fades away except the ride. Similarly, electronic music with its repetitive beats and synthesized sounds can induce a trance-like state where the listener becomes absorbed in the music.
Both surfing and electronic music also have roots in innovation and the cutting edge of culture. Surfing, which was once central to ancient Polynesian culture, underwent a renaissance in the 20th century, evolving with the advent of new board materials and designs. This spirit of innovation mirrors the evolution of electronic music, which grew from the experimental sounds of the 1960s and 70s to become a genre always pushing the boundaries of what music can be through technology.
The lifestyle and cultural aspects also play a role in connecting the two. Surf culture has always been about freedom, rebellion, and the search for the next great ride. Similarly, electronic music often carries with it a countercultural edge, a space where norms are challenged and new ideas are celebrated.
Additionally, the physical spaces where surfing and electronic music are enjoyed often overlap. Beach festivals combine the experience of surfing during the day with electronic music parties at night. The sensory experience of both surfing and dancing to electronic music under the stars can be incredibly similar, with the rhythmic sound of waves corresponding to the synthesized rhythms of electronic music.
Moreover, the two have influenced each other directly through art. Surfing has been a subject in electronic music, with artists drawing inspiration from the ocean and surf culture. Likewise, the electronic music aesthetic has influenced surf videos and movies, providing a modern, energizing soundtrack to the visuals of surfing.
Lastly, the communities that have built up around both surfing and electronic music are global, diverse, and often driven by a similar ethos — one of respect for the environment and each other, and a desire to push the limits of what's possible, whether that's riding a massive wave or creating a sound never heard before.
