I was riding my longboard (skateboard) around a strip mall in Texas (don’t ask) and I just kinda zoned out, watching the people walk by. And then I saw it – the family shopping at The Gap, dad wearing a t-shirt and son wearing board shorts of a certain big surf brand. Then I saw more clothes from the same brand. Seriously, 7 people in one afternoon. Since when does Texas have surf shops?
After a frozen yogurt break, I realized that they had probably just found a great bargain at the nearest Costco. And it got me thinking – when did the surf culture that I grew up with become so mainstream I started wearing the same stuff as the dad with the fanny pack (no judging…just sayin’)? Are us surfers just thinking that we are individuals and “different” but in actuality just look and need what everyone else needs? Are board shorts all the same now, just an alternative for cargo shorts?
Have we lost the choice to wear something that actually helps us to be better in the water, on our board? Or have we just become sheep on the beach?