The Local Surfer - University of Exeter

Surfer comes predominantly from families. However, this study provides the
opportunity to explore in detail this suggestion and discover what sources the
local surfer learnt from and which sources have the most influence. A further,
more specific question lies in how these sources influence them to become local
surfers in particular, as opposed to another „type‟ of engagement with surfing.
The second stage of identity construction is selection/recruitment and is the point
where “an individual must actually become a member of a specific subculture”
(Donnelly and Young, 1988:225). In explaining the stage of
selection/recruitment Hogg et al (1999) cite an example in the film Point Break,
a popular surfing film in which an established member of the surfing
subculture selects a beginner to join the group because of the motivation and
interest the beginner surfer shows. Another example of selection/recruitment
is provided by Neal and Walter‟s (2008) work on membership of the Women‟s
Institute and the Young Farmers Club in rural areas in England. Neal and
Walter‟s (2008) found that only three ways of selection/recruitment existed:
through familial lineage links; through friendship networks and familiarity; and
through being invited. Although it is valuable to know whether the individual
selected then sought out membership or was recruited by a veteran, it is
according to Donnelly and Young (1988) necessary to consider the issues that
surround this choice which are of higher value and can include “proximity to
activity, life circumstances, and even chance in the initiation of subcultural
membership” (Donnelly and Young, 1988:225). My previous study suggests
that the Local Surfer gets involved in surfing through the lack of anything else
to do and the close proximity to the beach. However, this conclusion was
drawn from only one interviewee and therefore this study should follow up the
question, and explore if there are, the other ways Local Surfers are selected and
recruited.
The third and final stage of identity construction is socialisation which is “an
initially active but ongoing stage wherein members undergo training in the
characteristics of the subculture” so that accurate identity construction can
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