Why the Printed Surf Mag Still Matters

Craig P. Sims

doi:10.1007/978-3-032-09377-6_13

Why the Printed Surf Mag Still Matters

Craig P. Sims^*

^*Corresponding author for this work

Faculty of Society & Design

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › Research › peer-review

Abstract

While the traditional purpose of media is to entertain, inform, and hold those in power to account, the surf media also serve to communicate and validate surfing’s subcultural values, norms and symbolisms. This extra role of being a key source of reference for what is acceptable, desirable, and special in surfing is important to the functioning of the surfing economy, the success of which depends on the allure of the surfing lifestyle to the mainstream consumer. Surf magazines have been particularly central in this regard. This chapter examines the past, present and future of the printed surf magazine and explains its contribution to the surfing ecosystem.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	The Future of Surfing in the Anthropocene
Editors	Leon Mach
Place of Publication	Switzerland
Publisher	Springer Nature
Chapter	13
Pages	207-221
Number of pages	14
ISBN (Electronic)	9783032093776
ISBN (Print)	9783032093769
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-09377-6_13
Publication status	Published - 16 Feb 2026

Access to Document

10.1007/978-3-032-09377-6_13

Australian Surf Industry Association Digital Summit 2025
Sims, C. (Speaker)
5 Mar 2025
Activity: Talk or presentation › Invited talk

1 Chapter
1 Abstract
1 Article

The functional differentiation of the printed surf magazine in the digital age of leisure reading
Sims, C. P., O'Brien, D., Gowthorp, L. & Scott, O., 25 Aug 2025, In: Leisure Studies. p. 1-19 19 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review

Open Access
File
74 Downloads (Pure)
The Surf Media
Sims, C. P., 30 Mar 2025, The Science and Culture of Surfing. Kennedy, D. (ed.). Switzerland: Springer Nature, p. 241-257 17 p.
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › Research › peer-review
Functional Differentiation Amid Waves of Change in Sport Media: Gen-Z, digital disruption and the printed surf magazine
Sims, C. P., O'Brien, D., Gowthorp, L. & Scott, O., 30 Nov 2022, p. 80-80. 1 p.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Abstract › Research › peer-review

Open Access
File

Cite this

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Why the Printed Surf Mag Still Matters

Abstract

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Related Activities

Australian Surf Industry Association Digital Summit 2025

Related Research Outputs

The functional differentiation of the printed surf magazine in the digital age of leisure reading

The Surf Media

Functional Differentiation Amid Waves of Change in Sport Media: Gen-Z, digital disruption and the printed surf magazine

Cite this