Surfing is not just about catching waves; it’s a deeply personal, multi-faceted experience that encompasses everything from arriving at the break, changing into your wetsuit, paddling out, riding waves, to getting back on land. But as the sport grows in popularity, these moments can become more challenging—especially when crowded line-ups and unspoken etiquette issues come into play.
This NOMB Changes Project seeks to create the Surf Peace Codex—an illustrated guide aimed at creating a more peaceful and respectful surf experience for everyone. By collecting insights from surfers worldwide through a detailed survey, the project will address key issues and propose meaningful changes to modern surfing culture.
Partner
Surfers worldwide
Location
Worldwide
Date
Jan - March 2025
Category
Inclusion Peace
NOMB Changer Involved
The Surfing Experience: Challenges and Opportunities
Surfing is a complex experience that goes far beyond the ride itself. From the moment you arrive at the beach and start assessing the conditions, there are unwritten social dynamics at play. What’s the vibe in the line-up? Are surfers sharing waves, or is it competitive? How do we communicate in the water, especially with so many people?
With increasing crowds, it’s important to think about how we can improve not just the physical act of surfing but the entire experience. The Surf Peace Codex seeks to answer essential questions: What do surfers enjoy about the sport today? What frustrates them? And most importantly, what changes can be made to create a better, more inclusive environment for everyone involved?
Survey Insights: Collecting Surfer Voices
Through the survey, NOMB Changes is collecting real-life experiences from surfers worldwide – online and in key locations like Fuerteventura (Canary Islands) and Oahu (Hawaii).
The goal is to uncover how surfers of all levels / gender / backgrounds face challenges such as crowded line-ups, communication issues, and unspoken etiquette in and out of the water. The findings will help shape the Surf Peace Codex, providing practical tips and suggestions on how to develope a more respectful and harmonious surf culture.
Creating Positive Change in Surf Culture
The Surf Peace Codex is not about fixing problems but about creating an experience where surfing can be more enjoyable for everyone. The survey asks how surfing could feel better, whether through better communication, more inclusivity, or a stronger sense of community both on the waves and on the shore. The Codex will offer illustrated suggestions on how to address these issues and bring a peaceful, inclusive spirit back to surfing.
Asking for your help
We invite surfers everywhere to contribute their voices and experiences—together, we can create a better surfing culture for everyone.
We have developed a survey, and ask you to honestly (and anonymously) share your experiences and thoughts. We will then identify the main issues, be inspired by your suggestions and edit an illustrated simple codex for everyone to understand and share.
If you are an illustrater and like to get involved, we will be delighted to hear from you.
Thank you for joining us in this important mission.
How to help as a business or organization
For businesses and organizations looking to sponsor or partner with us, please reach out for more detailed information on how we can work together.
