This course proposal was something I developed a few years ago and submitted to the Leisure Studies department at CSUN. They already had a sailing class, a windsurfing class, and a water skiing class but evidently surfing was not safe enough to fund. While it was not accepted into the curriculum, it represents a considerable amount of research and thought and I thought I would share it here in case it has value elsewhere.
da hulk
Introduction: This proposal is intended as a justification for why CSUN should institute a course in surfing, and a brief overview of what such a course might include.
The San Fernando Valley and many of the regions that California State University, Northridge serve; including West LA, Santa Monica, Malibu, and Ventura have a long and intimate history with the sport of surfing. Many of the beaches and surfers from this area are famous throughout the surfing world. The city of Ventura is the site of one of the worlds few Surfing Museums, honoring the long history of surfing here. Many of the students who attend CSUN today participate regularly in the sport of surfing, and many more have tried, or intend to try the sport in the future. Because of the proximity and attraction that Southern California beaches have for the CSUN student population it is reasonable to suggest that CSUN has the history, opportunity, and the student interest to support such a course.
Many California Colleges and Universities offer courses in Surfing. A cursory review indicates that the following institutions offer courses in surfing (catalogue descriptions attached):
The precedent for a Surfing course has existed for many years, and continues to be a popular course selection.
CSUN offers several courses through the Leisure Studies and Recreation Department which parallel this proposal in content and structure, focusing on safety, social, and environmental issues.
The fact that Southern California residents make frequent use of the coastal beach areas does not reduce the risks to the safety of novice surfers and beach swimmers. A course which promotes ocean sport safety would be a valuable service to many students.
The viability of the CSUN Surf Club and the Competition Surf Team on campus demonstrates that a motivated and dedicated group of students, many with advanced surfing skills, exists on this campus. These students have indicated on numerous occasions that they would very much like to learn more about the sport in an academic arena, and receive academic credit for some of the time spent in pursuit of their avocation.
Description: This course is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to safely enjoy surfing activities. Through a structured lecture and laboratory program, the student will be introduced to proper use of equipment, and the latest techniques and methods for optimum achievement. The course is suited to all ability levels, and is organized to allow for some individual instruction.
Prerequisites: Prior to entering the surfing class, students must demonstrate basic swimming skills, or produce other official verification of their swimming ability. Possession of surfing equipment including: swimsuit, wetsuit, surfboard.
Grading Method: Optional credit/no credit, or grade.
Contact Hours Per Week: 1 Lecture (Weekday), 2-3 Non-lecture (Saturday)
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
COURSE CONTENTS:
I. The History of Surfing
II. The Subculture and Social Phenomena of Surfing
III. Political Issues
IV. Equipment
V. Meteorological Variables and Hazards
VI. Geological and Topographic Variables and Hazards
VII. Biological Variables and Hazards
VIII. Ocean Rescue
IX. Safety Procedures
X. Conditioning
XI. Stand Up Techniques
XII. Proper Riding Techniques
XIII. Competitive Surfing
XIV. New Adventures
INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS:
Return to da hulk's Surf page.
Last modified on 1/23/97.