Factors influencing contemporary societal relationships with outdoor environments, including:
The effects of different technologies
Commercialisation of outdoor environments (Summerland peninsula) and outdoor
experiences (Surfing)
Specific technology of the wetsuit
Super-light, super-stretchy, fast drying, more comfortable, warmer
The thicker the neoprene is, the warmer the suit will be (up to 6mm)
Specific technology of the Surfboard
Wooden, tall and heavy, although beginner boards are tall they are light weight, more flexible,
foam structure with softer padded deck and plastic fins, more easy to manoeuvre, cheaper, safer
more widely available
Internet access to weather forecasts, weather warnings and wave conditions prior to leaving
home
Hand held GPS units to access beaches, satellite phones at remote beaches (increases confidence
for remote surfing, seems more accessible)
Influence on contemporary societal relationships with the outdoors
Better equipment and improved techniques
Making activities more comfortable, safer and more accessible as better protected from the
elements (cold water), easier for beginners to learn
Related to as a place of challenge to be conquered by hard work and discomfort we are now able
to consider the environment as a gymnasium – be physically challenged but still be reasonably
comfortable and safe
Small, easily manoeuvrable, trick boards, jet ski tows to large surf - more extreme relationships
with oe greater challenge, a place to be conquered, skills developed to master challenges
New outdoor experiences being available
Potential impacts on new technologies – increased track erosion to beaches, more infrastructure
Specific commercialisation (Surf schools)
Packaging and marketing of outdoor experiences including ecotourism
Information on areas and activities more readily available
Positives
Safer as learn about risks such as rips and rocks
Use of the latest technology
Use of qualified instructors, experts in their field
Many new courses available to train people – formal certification
Specialised outdoor activities more accessible for beginners with the money to buy the
experience
Increases awareness of environmental issues – take action as volunteers
All fully organised – just turn up, experience first hand the beauty of nature
Economic benefits for local community, money to spend on improving the environment
Negatives
Increased numbers participating resulting in more crowds
All decision making and organisation left to the “experts”
Loss of feeling of solitude due to increased numbers
Loss of native vegetation to make infrastructure
Increased degredation of natural environment in immediate area due to increased trampling and
erosion of top soil and increased pollution from vehicles and production of equipment
Influence on contemporary societal relationships with the outdoors
Increased accessibility of environments and experiences, more people can visit the area and
relate with the outdoors, guided safely through the day without having to rely on your own
resources
Increased numbers learning about beach safety such as rips and environmental issues raised
More leisure time than previous generations – hence take up on marketed outdoor experiences
Increased affluence in some communities making expensive activities available