From finding a spouse to finding a parking spot, from organizing one’s inbox to understanding the workings of memory, algorithms can transform the wisdom of computer science into strategies for human living.
Inspired by the recent book Algorithms to Live, episode 32 of the Surf Simply podcast explores the idea of applying algorithms to the seemingly unpredictable nature of surfing. Some of the principles, including the Game Theory (as popularized in the 2001 film, A Beautiful Mind), and the 37% Rule, which is also sometimes called the Secretary Problem, are specifically part of what is called Stopping Theory. This theory allows you to make the best choice from a number of options when you don’t know what’s coming next while eliminating the ability to go back to the choices which you’ve previously passed over. On the show, the discussion ensues about how this can be used in free surfs and in heat. (Starts at the 27-minute marker).
The Internet’s favorite surf geeks also interview Christian Dietrich about his awarding-winning company, SurfEars, which uses Nokia smartphone technology to solve the problem of surfer’s ears. The revolutionary product, which keeps water out but lets sound in, is now being used by, to name a few, Tommy Carroll and Chris Burkard.a
Plus, there’s talk about Costa Rica getting some epic conditions; Surfline using Trace users as wave bouys; Cape Fear; Puerto Escondido; longboard fin options, and whether it’s better to regularly switchboards or stick with just one.
Listen to the latest episode of the show on iTunes or at SurfSimply.com/Podcast, where you can also see the show notes.
