As it turns out, Artificial Intelligence has a few things to say about localism in surfing. It’s unexpectedly evenhanded…and informed. Photo: Brad Jacobson//Open AI
I’m writing this still slightly in awe of the conversation that I just had – with a computer. ChatGPT has been around since November, but I had yet to explore this new frontier – slightly skeptical, slightly scared of the new tool that was recently unleashed on the public. Well, the time was finally ripe. And what better topic than localism to put under the microscope of one of the most powerful AI chatbots to date?
I typed in: “Tell me about localism in surfing.” The large block-style cursor blinked for a few long seconds before launching into a torrent of well-written sentences and coherent thoughts on an extremely nuanced topic. The results were intimidating, fascinating, and, dare I say, beautiful?
To be fair, asking an AI chatbot for what’s basically a dictionary definition of a subject isn’t too high-level of a task, but surfing prides itself on hard-won cultural intel especially with respect to lightning rod topics. It wasn’t obvious that artificial intelligence could wrap its head around the subject. What struck me was the clarity, succinctness, but also the thoroughness with which it described this complex and daunting subject. I could not have summed up “localism” as well, in as few words as this machine could. Granted, I’m not the most succinct writer, but you get the idea.
What follows is my conversation with a robot about localism in surfing. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking about localism, arguing about localism, perhaps even engaging in localism, read on, you might just learn a thing or two about both sides, actually.
Tell me about localism in surfing.
Localism in surfing refers to the practice of prioritizing local surfers over non-locals in the lineup. This often involves local surfers asserting their authority in the lineup, sometimes through aggressive or intimidating behavior towards non-locals.
Localism has developed in many surf communities as a way for locals to maintain control over their surf breaks, which they may feel are being overrun by non-locals. Local surfers may feel a sense of ownership over a particular break, particularly if they have grown up surfing there or if their family has lived in the area for generations.
While localism can be a way for locals to protect their surf breaks and preserve the culture of surfing in their communities, it can also lead to conflict and tension between locals and non-locals. Some surfers argue that localism is exclusionary and goes against the spirit of surfing as a welcoming and inclusive community.
Many surfers believe that the best way to approach localism is to show respect for local surfers and their culture, and to follow the unspoken rules of the lineup. These rules often involve waiting your turn, not snaking waves, and not dropping in on other surfers. By showing respect and following these rules, non-locals may be able to earn the respect of local surfers and become part of the local surf community.
Do you think localism is justified?
As an AI language model, I do not hold opinions or beliefs. However, I can provide some context and arguments for and against localism in surfing.
On one hand, localism can be seen as a way for local surfers to protect and preserve the unique culture and identity of their community. Many surfers believe that surfing is not just a sport, but a way of life, and that the traditions and values associated with surfing are deeply tied to the local environment and community. From this perspective, localism can be seen as a way of maintaining the integrity of the surf break and the local culture associated with it.
On the other hand, localism can also be exclusionary and can create a hostile environment for non-local surfers. Some argue that localism goes against the spirit of surfing as a welcoming and inclusive community, and that surfers should be free to surf wherever they want as long as they respect the local environment and culture.
Ultimately, whether or not localism is justified is a matter of perspective and depends on the specific circumstances of each surf community. It is important for surfers to respect local customs and traditions, but also to remember that surfing is a global community and that all surfers should be able to enjoy the waves regardless of where they come from.
Tell me more about why we should be for localism.
While localism can be controversial and can create tensions between locals and non-locals, there are some arguments in favor of localism in surfing. Here are a few reasons why some surfers support the practice of localism:
– Protecting the environment: Surf breaks are unique and fragile ecosystems that can be easily damaged by overuse or misuse. By prioritizing local surfers over non-locals, localism can help ensure that surfers who are most invested in the health and well-being of the break are the ones who have the most access to it. This can help to minimize the impact of surfing on the environment and preserve the surf break for future generations.
– Preserving surf culture: Surfing is not just a sport, but a way of life that is deeply tied to the local environment and community. Many surfers believe that localism is a way of protecting and preserving the unique culture and identity of their community, and that the traditions and values associated with surfing are deeply tied to the local environment and community. By prioritizing local surfers over non-locals, localism can help to maintain the integrity of the surf break and the local culture associated with it.
– Promoting safety: Surfing can be a dangerous sport, particularly in crowded lineups where surfers are competing for waves. By prioritizing local surfers over non-locals, localism can help to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries in the lineup. Local surfers are often more familiar with the hazards and risks associated with the surf break, and may be better equipped to navigate them safely.
– It’s important to note that while these arguments in favor of localism are valid, it’s also important to balance them with the need for inclusivity and respect for all members of the surfing community, regardless of where they come from. Localism can create tensions and conflict between locals and non-locals, and it’s important for surfers to find ways to respect and coexist with one another in the lineup.
Tell me more about why we should be against localism.
While localism in surfing can be seen as a way for locals to protect their surf breaks and preserve the culture of surfing in their communities, there are several reasons why some surfers are against the practice of localism. Here are a few arguments against localism in surfing:
– Exclusionary and unfair: Localism can be seen as exclusionary and unfair, as it prioritizes local surfers over non-locals. This can create a sense of hostility towards non-local surfers, and make them feel unwelcome or even unsafe in the lineup. This can lead to a culture of elitism and exclusion in the surfing community.
-Goes against the spirit of surfing: Surfing is often seen as a welcoming and inclusive community, where surfers from all backgrounds can come together and share their love of the ocean. Localism can be seen as going against the spirit of surfing, by creating an us-vs-them mentality and discouraging newcomers or visitors from experiencing the joy of surfing.
– Damages the local economy: Many surf destinations rely on tourism to support the local economy. Localism can create a negative reputation for a surf break or a community, which can discourage visitors and hurt local businesses. This can have a ripple effect on the local economy, causing long-term damage.
– Can lead to violence and conflict: In extreme cases, localism can lead to violence and conflict in the lineup. Aggressive behavior towards non-locals, such as verbal or physical intimidation, can create a dangerous and unsafe environment in the water. This can be damaging to the reputation of the surf break and the surfing community as a whole.
Overall, while localism can be seen as a way for locals to protect their surf breaks and preserve the culture of surfing in their communities, it can also create a sense of exclusion and hostility towards non-local surfers. It’s important for surfers to find ways to balance the need for local protection and preservation with the need for inclusivity and respect for all members of the surfing community.
Touche, ChatGPT. I didn’t see that response coming… I wonder what else you have to say about surfing. (To be continued.)
