SKU: 79274311533

Surf Craft: Design and the Culture of Board Riding

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Description

Surf Craft: Design and the Culture of Board RidingThe evolution of the surfboard, from traditional Hawaiian folk designs to masterpieces of mathematical engineering to mass produced fiberglass. Surfboards were once made of wood and shaped by hand, objects of both cultural and recreational significance. Today most surfboards are mass produced with fiberglass and a stew of petrochemicals, moving (or floating) billboards for athletes and their brands, emphasizing the commercial rather than the cultural.

The evolution of the surfboard, from traditional Hawaiian folk designs to masterpieces of mathematical engineering to mass-produced fiberglass.

Surfboards were once made of wood and shaped by hand, objects of both cultural and recreational significance. Today most surfboards are mass-produced with fiberglass and a stew of petrochemicals, moving (or floating) billboards for athletes and their brands, emphasizing the commercial rather than the cultural. Surf Craft maps this evolution, examining surfboard design and craft with 150 color images and an insightful text. From the ancient Hawaiian alaia, the traditional board of the common people, to the unadorned boards designed with mathematical precision (but built by hand) by Bob Simmons, to the store-bought longboards popularized by the 1959 surf-exploitation movie Gidget, board design reflects both aesthetics and history. The decline of traditional alaia board riding is not only an example of a lost art but also a metaphor for the disintegration of traditional culture after the Republic of Hawaii was overthrown and annexed in the 1890s.

In his text, Richard Kenvin looks at the craft and design of surfboards from a historical and cultural perspective. He views board design as an exemplary model of mingei, or art of the people, and the craft philosophy of Soetsu Yanagi. Yanagi believed that a design's true beauty and purpose are revealed when it is put to its intended use. In its purest form, the craft of board building, along with the act of surfing itself, exemplifies mingei. Surf Craft pays particular attention to Bob Simmons's boards, which are striking examples of this kind of functional design, mirroring the work of postwar modern California designers.

Surf Craft is published in conjunction with an exhibition at San Diego's Mingei International Museum.



Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Mit Press
Published: 07/18/2014
ISBN: 9780262027601
Pages: 192
Weight: 3.15lbs
Size: 11.20h x 10.30w x 0.90d
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SKU: 79274311533

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JB
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 1
Still soft but looks terrible after 1 wash. Save your money
Color: White, Size: Small, Color: White, Size: Small
Update: sweater looked great when I received. After 1 wash it looks terrible. Looks like it’s been washed too many times, material fuzzy and piled. After wearing it once, it snagged and the knit pulled through. I would NOT recommend. I had such high hopes. Save your money. Very nice sweater, especially for the price! I love the details of the buttons on the sleeves. It is SO soft. It’s not super thick as I can see my skin through it when pressing my hand up against fabric. However, it’s not see through when wearing it. It’ll be perfect in cooler weather and perfect in the winter with a coat but won’t cause me to overheat when in a heated environment. I do feel like it runs big. I could have sized down a size. Although I’m not sure if it’ll shrink after a wash or two.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2025
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Lynn M
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 3
Disappointed.
Color: Blue, Size: Large, Color: Blue, Size: Large
This sweater is so comfortable and very soft. It fits well in a flattering, oversized way. But after one wash it is pilled everywhere which makes it look old and shabby. It’s at a price point where I feel compelled to return it.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2026
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TripletMama Heather
Houston, US
★★★★★ 5
Perfect for casual wear and dressy style
Color: Dark Green, Size: Small
This sweater is soooo soft and the color is so rich. The fit of it is perfect, not too tight and not too baggy, just right and I used the size guide to pick my size. Just for reference, I am 5'3" and 130lbs, 38C bust. It's well made and washes great. I chose to hang dry mine as I typically don't put any of my sweaters in the dryer to dry, just to fluff them. I have this one in two colors, the green and the tan/beige and I would say they are both a true representative of the color shown.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2025
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MMF
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 5
Love the long sleeves!!!
Color: White, Size: Small
Love it! I'm 5' 11" tall and I purchased this according to reviews. Several people commented on the length of the sleeves. I have a hard time finding sleeves long enough if it's not " tall" sized. It was perfect for me. If this washes nice I'm going to consider purchasing more in other colors. I ordered the white and just love the long ribbed cuffs with the line of buttons. Very soft.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2026
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Cindee
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 4
Nice cozy sweater, but handwashing is recommended
Color: Beige, Size: Medium
Soft and cozy, but does not wash well. Goes with everything. This sweater fits well and looks great. I received lots of compliments while wearing it.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2026

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