Conflict, Stereotypes and Masculinity in Australian and New Zealand Surfing

Surf board riding and surf life saving, two distinctively Australian and New Zealand sports were described in terms of important background features in an article published in the previous issue. Attention was drawn to the 1960s as a period in which conflict occurred between members of the two groups. Tensions between the groups have remained since that time. The present article examines aspects of these tensions in detail showing they have served to crystallise some inherent philosophical contrasts between each type of surfing activity. Data are presented as part of an examination of the many contrasts and tensions between the two groups. Despite the contrasts, the subculture of each surfing group share a similar characteristic masculinity. This article discusses this similarity as well as some of the continuing differences between each sport pattern.