Surf Culture

1.1 Surf Gangs

Surf gangs often form to preserve cultural identity through the protection of beach
towns and shorelines. If known territory is trespassed by members of another surf
gang, violence usually occurs. Long Beach is home to one of the oldest and biggest
surf gangs, called "Longos." Some surf gangs have been known to not only claim
land territory, but also claim specific surfing waves as territory.
1.2 The Wolfpak
The Wolfpak is so named "because we run in a pack, working together. When you
mess with one of us, you mess with all of us." Kala Alexander'.The Wolfpak was
originally composed of a few select surfers from Kauai, Hawaii who believed in
respecting localism.
The Wolfpak was originally composed of a few select surfers from Kauai, Hawaii
who believed in respecting localism. Kauai, according to a Wolfpak member, is a
place where one is raised to honor the value of respect. If you dont show respect,
then you cant expect anyone to return the favor.This value is what led to the
groups effort to manage the chaos associated with North Shore surfing.
1.3 Bra Boys
The Bra Boys are a popular surf gang founded in Maroubra, a beachside suburb in
the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, Australia. They established international fame and
attention in 2007 with the release of Bra Boys: Blood is Thicker than Water, a
documentary about the bonds and struggles of the many gang members. The Bra
Boys name originates both from the slang word for brother, and as a reference to
the gang's home suburb, Maroubra. Gang members tattoo "My Brothers Keeper"
across the front of their chests and the Maroubra area code across their back
1.4 Beach Bunnies
A beach bunny is general American popular culture term for a young woman who
spends her free time at the beach. In surf culture it may also refer to a female

surfer. Beach bunnies are known for the amount of time they spend sun tanning
and are usually represented wearing bikinis, see Muscle Beach Party and Gidget.
1.5 Shaka Sign
The shaka sign, associated with Hawaii, origins
unknown,is a common greeting in surfer culture.
1.6 Spirituality
A surfer memorial service, Huntington Beach Pier, Orange County, California.
Many surfers combine their love of the sport with their own religious or spiritual
beliefs.
Many surfing communities organize and take part in memorial services for fallen
surfers, sometimes on the anniversary of passing such as the Eddie Aikau
memorial service held annually at Waimea Bay, Hawaii.
Participants in the memorial service paddle out to a suitable location with flower
leis around their necks or with loose flowers (sometimes held between their teeth).
The participants then get into a circular formation, hold hands, and silently pray.
Sometimes they will raise their clasped hands skyward before tossing their flowers
or leis into the center of the ring. Afterward, they paddle back toward the beach to
begin their surf session. Often these services take place at sunrise or sunset.

1.7 Surf music

Surf culture is reflected in surf music, with sub-genres such as surf rock and surf
pop. This includes works from such artists as Jan and Dean, The Beach Boys, The
Surfaris ("Wipe Out!"), Dick Dale, The Shadows, and The Ventures. The music
inspired dance crazes such as The Stomp, The Frug, and The Watusi.
1.8 Fashion
Surfwear is a popular style of casual clothing,
inspired by surf culture. Many surf-related
brand names originated as cottage industry,
supplying local surfers with boardshorts,
wetsuits, surfboards or leashes.