The history f surfing began with the ancient Polynesians. That initial culture directly influenced modern surfing, which began to evolve in the early 20th century, with popularity increasing greatly during the 1950s and ''60s, specifically in Hawaii, Australia, and California (wrww. surfline. com). Surfers represent a diverse cultural group this includes those who embrace the practice for recreation and those who make it into a career and lifestyle choice. In Hawaii, the surf culture is huge, but is often viewed as negative due to gossip and stories surrounding the "Locals" of the islands.
Localism in some instances has developed to produce groups of locals who occupy a certain break or beach, often referred to as "surf punks" or "surf Nazis". The most notable areas where this sort of surf culture has been observed are on the North Shores of Oahu and Kauai. With outsiders and the burgeoning professional contest circuit shunting them from their favorite surf spots, some Hawaiian surfers banded together in 1976 to form the Hui O He''e Nalu (Da Hui for short), or Club of Wave Sliders (wrww. surfline. com). The Da Hui are known to even threaten physical violence to protect their spot.
Good surf spots are rare and are often recognized by local surfers whose surf spot is seen as their territory and becomes highly guarded. This territorial behavior is often seen around beach towns where tourism can infringe upon the coveted commodity of the ''surfable wave'' and produced a ''locals only attitude to outsiders. Unfortunately, this is Just one of the reasons why the surf culture can get a bad rap. But as one of the Da Hui''s founding member, Kala Alexander, puts it, he says that they aren''t out there to discourage new surfers rather understand that there is more to it than Just addling out to the line-up. The code is to respect other people," Alexander, 39, said. "People come over here and don''t respect other people. You''re going to run into problems if you do that. There''s a lot of people in the water, not much respect. Where I grew up on Kauai, you respect everybody in the water, especially your elders. Don''t step out of line. We Just brought that mentality over here. " (wrww. surfline. com). Besides the localism aspect of the culture, there are other stereotypes that surround the surfing culture here in Hawaii.
Most often, the general idea people have f surfers is that they are lazy, smoke too much weed, have no Jobs, unmotivated, and are often labeled as "beach bums". But the interesting thing about stereotypes is that they are generally true as they are assumptions made based off of some sort of prior incidents. All in all, with the growth of the sport globally, the culture of surfing has come to include its own language, clothing style, art, music, films, and non-profit organizations such as the Surtrider Foundation and environmental awareness groups.
Within the organization XXSS, the Symbolic Fame of organizational symbols and ulture is especially important to make the business effective. As one of the symbolic assumptions states "Culture forms the superglue that bonds an organization, unites people, and helps an enterprise accomplish desired ends" (Boleman & Deal, 2008, pg. 253). XXSS embraces the Hawaiian surfing culture in order to introduce the sport of surfing, correct any misconceptions of the sport, and encourage visitors around the world to embrace this lifestyle that dates back generations.
As mentioned earlier, one of the organizational symbols surrounding the culture within surf schools and the ommunity are the myths and stories surrounding the surf world. Hawaiian surf legends and stories range from tales about the Hawaiian Gods to local legends such as Eddie Aikau, Sunny Garcia, and the ever-famous Duke Kahanamoku. Upon walking into XXSS''s shop in Waikiki, he first things you see are posters of surf contests, pictures of famous surfers from Hawaii, books and DVDs of documentaries and stories, and a beautiful Alaia surfboard which is always a topic of interest for our visitors.
Displaying many symbols of the surf culture helps peak further interest of people who would like to try surfing. Many people know todays surfboard as the fiberglass or even the new epoxy boards that are primarily ridden. When they see the giant Alaia board on the wall, they learn about how these boards were used in the pre-20th century and were hand carved from tree trunks. There are no fins on them, but early surfers would use their feet to turn the board into the wave.
This conversation usually leads to the showing of other boards on display and in the shop and the instructors can explain the different uses for each which depend on surf conditions and wave heights. Comparing organizational culture as a metaphor for a "Theatre Production" is very revalent at XXSS. The Dramaturgical Theory focuses on social interactions among individuals in internal situations (Boleman & Deal, 2008, pg. 298). When visitors come to XXSS for surf lessons or even Just to inquire about them, they expect to see a certain level of culture within the business.
The shop is located on a main street facing the beach where if you look beyond the breakers, surfers can bee seen paddling out and ''rippin'' on some majestic surf breaks right in the center of Waikiki. Visitors and newcomers who are enamored with the surf culture are often intimidated by it. By entering the door to XXSS, people are instantly greeted by friendly staff who are "stoked" to "stoke you out" on surfing (some surf culture language). As with theatre, people who go see a play expect the actors to dress and act the part.
People go to a Luau, they expect Hula dancers; People visit a surf school, they expect to see instructors who look and can play the part - except that comes naturally since it is part of their lifestyle. The theatrics continue as guests become part of the culture in action. People new to the sport can be skeptical and often ask questions such as, "Isn''t surfing hard? ", Am I too old/young? ", "Will the locals chase me out? " "Are there sharks swimming around out there? ", and "Do you think I will really be able to stand up? ".
The laidback cultural lifestyle of surfers helps put any stress at ease. XXSS instructors explain how the lessons are conduc ed t , discuss any possible but unlikely dangers, and reassure guests that they will have the time of their life experiencing a culture that is sometimes misunderstood. The instructors all look the part - bikinis and board shorts - and have such a great enthusiasm for their Job because they get to share an important part of their lifestyle ith others. They have a style of language that they use with the guests that often bring humor to the experience.
Using slang terms such as "Hangloose", "Knarly Ride", "Rad Wave", and giving the "Shaka" are all part of the "show'' and guests love it. They repeat these sayings and flash the Shaka back (or if they are Japanese its usually the Peace sign). While out in the line up, the instructors explain about some of the misconceptions of the surf culture and the proper etiquette to use out in the line-up. By educating the guests of the surf etiquette, it opens up a whole new vision to the culture and tereotypes associated with surfing.
Something as simple as knowing which surfer has the ''right of way when dropping in on a wave can make a huge difference in whether they may experience ''localism'' (or being yelled at) in the water. However, most of the surf breaks in Waikiki are known as beginner areas and the locals out there will respect that, unless your being a "kook", or someone who has no respect for others and their safety in the water. The backdrop of the "stage" is the beautiful, clear, blue Pacific Ocean. While waiting for a set to roll in, guests are enamored by the scenery that you can only ppreciate from the perspective you get being out on the ocean.
From the skyline of Waikiki, to the beautiful mountains, to the peak of Diamondhead Crater, they get to immerse themselves right in the middle of the culture of the Islands of Hawaii as well. The instructors can tell some of the stories and legends of how the volcano was formed, point out the surf break the famous Duke surfed at, and if the guests are lucky, they can meet Moku - the resident Green Sea Turtle who frequents the area. instructors are knowledgeable about the formations of the reef and how that effects when and how the waves break.
They are taught certain aspects of the surf culture not only so that it may be appreciated and better understood, but also so it may invite newcomers to love and respect the sport. Some have even gone as far as changing their own lifestyle so they can embrace the surf lifestyle as their own. Unfortunately, this isn''t always feasible for everyone, but at least with XXSS, they offer visitors a chance to at least bring some of the culture home with them. Inside the shop, "Swag" or surf apparel with the XXSS logo can be purchased such as t-shirts or hats and young kids can get temporary tattoos (which they love to stick ll over their bodies).
Exclusive to XXSS, guests have the option to take home some "sick" photos or a "totally rad" DVD of their experience. Each lesson that goes out is photographed and filmed by XXSS''s partner editing company, which customizes photos and DVDs to take home with them. Each video showcases the entire experience - from the land lesson to their first ride to the high five from the instructor at the end. The personal mini documentary encompasses shots of the island and some sea creatures and captures every exciting moment of the guest''s experience.
It is burned to a play list of music from the surf culture and can include songs such as, Wipeout by the Surfaris, Surf Song by Jack Johnson, and Sweet Honey by Slightly Stoopid XXSS''s visitors enjoy taking home a keepsake ot their adventure and will show the DVD to friends and family and many of their photos are displayed on media sites such as blogs and Facebook. Not only do the guests get to take home and share the surf school culture with others, it help stimulate more business for XXSS and aid in its success. Embracing culture is very important for XXSS to be successful.
Someone who is seeking out surfing lessons would not want to walk into an office building and find their instructor behind a cubicle waiting for them. They would not want someone who is sitting behind a desk most of the day to change out of their suit and tie and take them on a business ride. Parents come to XXSS to find safe, knowledgeable surfers to take their kids out; women come to find that hot surf boy-next-door to paddle them out; and guys want cute chics in bikinis carrying surfboards around. It is all part of the lifestyle and culture surrounding most surf schools.
But the ones who are successful, are the ones who are fun, safe, have enthusiasm, and Spirit - which is the essence of high performance (Boleman & Deal, 2008, pg. 290). Symbolic perspectives may question traditional views on how to build a team, but finding the right people and combining the symbols of play, teamwork, ritual, stories, and myth will certainly enhance it (Boleman & Deal, 2008, pg. 290). XXSS prides most of its success with the high praise and reviews the organization receives from the guests and from people stopping by because they read the reviews or say that XXSS as recommended to them.
Most importantly, the visitors who return to Hawaii year after year and come surf with XXSS year after year are the most valuable because those are the ones who make it all worthwhile. They are the ones who really fell in love with surfing and they are the ones to embrace and share in its beautiful and special cultural style. XXSS has a team of instructors (owner included) who form a community, share culture, find meaning in their work and most importantly, they have Soul. Peak performance will emerge as a team discovers it Soul (Boleman & Deal, 2008, pg. 291).
Surfers around the world have the Spirit and the Soul to do what they do. Combine that with people who love to teach and share those things, then you will have a fun, exciting place to learn about the world of surfing - Just like you''d find at XXSS. In the words of the "Surfer Dude" on catching a great ride: "It''s Just like... Dude, you get the best barrels ever, dude. It''s Just like, you pull in and you Just get spitted outem''. You Just drop in, smack the lip... Waapah! Just drop drown... Swoopah! And then after that you Just drop in, ride the barrel and get pitted, sooo pitted. "
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