Abstract
This study aims to demonstrate how the spiritual, sacred, and metaphysical components of surfing empower the activity as a force for positive, personal and societal change in a community. While many surfers are drawn to surfing for its spiritual attributes, traceable to its roots in ancient Polynesia, there are many others who embrace the sport for purely non-spiritual reasons. Quantitative data was collected by the research team to show how the differing views of these two groups of surfers affect three main areas: environmental ethics, personal growth and maturation, and general community outreach. The results of the study proved all three hypotheses regarding the three main areas of focus above with statistical significance. The results will hopefully improve perceptions of the sport by those outside of surf culture, and demonstrate to local, state, and national government and civic leaders how the implementation and promotion of surf-related organizations, programs and philanthropies can greatly benefit the communities they represent. This study will hopefully inspire further study into the effects of surfing into local communities and economies.
Semester/Year of Award
Spring 2018
Mentor
James N. Maples
Mentor Professional Affiliation
Anthropology, Sociology, and Social Work
Access Options
Open Access Thesis
Document Type
Bachelor Thesis
Degree Name
Honors Scholars
Degree Level
Bachelor's
Department
Language and Cultural Studies, Anthropology, and Sociology
Department Name when Degree Awarded
Anthropology, Sociology, and Social Work
IRB Approval Number (if applicable)
1296
Presentation
https://www.dropbox.com/s/do1oqcmasjz7hzn/Final%20thesis%20presentation.pptx?dl=0
Recommended Citation
Hayworth, Sam A., "Ripple Effect: An Examination of Surfing as a Force for Positive, Lasting Personal and Societal Change" (2018). Honors Theses. 500.
https://encompass.eku.edu/honors_theses/500
Appendix A
