Some might argue that Steph Gilmore exemplifies modern professional surfing. Some might. Photo: ASP/Kirstin
Surfers have long had the issue of being lumped into the Spicoli stereotype. The stereotype includes “surfer slang” thrown around by Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze in the movie Point Break and a certain “party animal” stigma that has done anything but help the image. In a sport not known for its professionalism, surfing’s ethos has been on the up and up.
Thanks to the graceful and articulate five-time World Champ, Stephanie Gilmore, among others, a certain level of professionalism has been elevating the image of pro surfers more than before. In a recent CNN feature, Gilmore sets the record straight about the unfortunate image cast by Hollywood movies, blanket statements and ugly stereotypes about the gross misconception surrounding the sport and its players.
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