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As you know, this weekend was the one year anniversary of that guy (who may or may not be qualified) taking on the most important job in the world...one that has the potential to turn our planet into toast. The ultimate outcome of this grand political experiment is unknown at this point, and there are any number of perspectives as to what the outcome might be...
That said, millions of women are taking the opportunity this weekend to gather publicly, and present their political positions. (I'll refrain from providing links to the multitude of media coverage...you can find them easily yourself if you're interested.)
The web site "Open Culture" ran a fantastic post a couple of days ago related to the vaunted roles women have historically played in human culture. It's so trippy and engaging, it elevates even a hardcore feminist's appreciation of women...
These images are derived from a website called "24 Free Goddess GIFs."
So what does all this have to do with mat surfing?
Well, for starters, mat surfing is robustly "not masculine." Regardless of your gender or sexual orientation, mat surfing has a way of neutralizing those ultimately minor distinctions, and boils us down to what who we really are as individuals. Mats have capacity to wed us to the ocean in a manner that cuts to the bone of our soul. Very few activities have that power. Certainly not mainstream board surfing. Even the best women board surfers are stuffed into a masculine mold by the media and contest structure.
And don't get me started on body types. No form of wave riding is more non-judgemental of our height and weight and shape than mat surfing. Both in terms of our visual appearance, or how it feels to us.
The GIF images of ancient female figures dancing seem so wonderfully varied, fluid and natural, I couldn't help but think of mat surfing when I first saw them.
So, let's take this opportunity to look at some of the great shots of women matters of all ages, shapes and sizes that we have in our files!
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7 comments:
really good PG, thanks!
gifs by Nina Paley
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nina_Paley
PG , you the man !!!.. As I say often to people when Im asked as to why I ride a mat.. my answer is always " If I have to explain you will not understand' haha
Another ripper blogg post mate, thank you for making the effort of keeping the stoke alive..
Cheers Oily
Thank you for this! And thank you for having the conviction to make that political critique, which takes a little extra courage for a small business owner.
The women's march here Saturday in SF was inspirational. The energy of last year (tens of thousands together on a freezing, rainy night) was undiminished, increased if anything!
We're taking a high line through this :)
As my daughter of 8yrs old said to a concerned friend on the beach, I do what i want because i want to as she launched herself into the 3ft surf on my 6-6 trifin, was promptly dumped,got back on and paddled out with me in hot pursuit on the minimal she should have used haha . Shes 36 now and not changed bless her. Nice article as always PG hope all is well with you. Churs Old Surfer.
This is great Paul. Exactly what men need to say. Thanks again for ALL your work.
Yeeewwwww! Beautifully written!
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