‘We Want a Future:’ Youth Climate Activists

“They are the most powerful type of heroes–those who can start a revolution from their bedroom and inspire others to do the same. Both [Foster and Margolin] say that organizing massive protests, and the network they have gained by doing so, helps keep them too busy to have climate anxiety attacks. And although they receive justified praise for their work, the power of their advocacy transcends their individual identities.” READ MORE

Envisioning the Anthropocene

“The project draws on research by the Anthropocene Working Group, who have proposed to officially name our current geological epoch ‘The Anthropocene’, meaning the period in which human activity has been the dominant influence on the environment. Phenomena such as the deforestation of old-growth forests, open-pit mining, the ubiquity of plastics and concrete, and the loss of elephants and rhinoceroses in Africa provide support for the Anthropocene Working Group’s hypothesis, as well as the visual focus of the exhibition.” READ MORE

Documenting Gentrification

“Urban communities across the United States are feeling the pressures of gentrification. In response, there is a common desire to document the changes. The pressures are not new – the effort to preserve affordable housing and community space was outlined in Jane Jacobs’ seminal book, The Death and Life of Great American Cities (1961). However, while Jane was fighting against the government, her successors notice a confluence of government and private interest that changes not only how cities are transformed but also for whom.” READ MORE

Brujas: Radical Skate Style

“Brujas had effectively leveraged the growing commercial popularity of streetwear and skateboarding fashion to make a direct political impact and spread a radical idea–prison abolition. Gil says their continued use of this formula is an intentional strategy to spread their ideology.” READ MORE

Where are we at with Sustainable Surfboards?

“As surfers continue to reach new performance heights, and the planet continues to reach new record high temperatures and sea levels, there are calls for change by everyone from Mick Fanning to Kelly Slater. But in a category driven partially by mad-scientist-style surfboard designers and partially by ‘greenwashing’ marketing opportunists, it can be hard to get a good read on who is actually making an impact.” READ MORE

The Surfboard Resale Market is Booming

“As the market develops, there will be more opportunities for collectors and people with the knowledge to turn a profit, and more avenues to track down that hidden gem or missing piece of a collection. The secondary market is organizing the trade, not destroying it. More people in the water than ever before, small batch shapers, a renewed interest in retro styles, surfboard shortages, and the increasing rarity of certain boards are all driving the unprecedented demand for this market.” READ MORE

This Girl Will Win a World Title One Day

“Bold claim, I know, but have you seen the 15-year-old Oahu-native surf? She’s ferocious on the rail, has a refined style, and thanks to a recent two-month stint in Indo, she’s earned some rapidly ascending tube chops (the likes of which have been praised by surfing’s top tier, including Bethany Hamilton, Lisa Andersen, Makua Rothman, and Shane Dorian). Despite her age, Bettylou surfs like a full-grown woman. Her turns carry immense weight.” READ MORE

Are High Performance Surfboards Unisex?

“Four words that I never thought would be contentious are: ‘surfboards are mostly unisex.’ But some commenters on my last piece wanted to know more. They referenced an interview with Matt Biolos on Surfer Mag about shaping women’s boards. But even that interview (from 2015), where Biolos says that Carissa Moore and Kolohe Andino ride “practically identical boards,” does not give a decisive answer to the question: are high performance surfboards unisex?” READ MORE

Where to Find Truly New York Style Food at the Meadows

Aside from the star-studded lineup at The Meadows this year there is also an almost equally impressive lineup of food to keep everyone happy and energized during the long days of dancing. While there is a wide variety of food on offer this year, here are five that bring classic New York flavor to a festival catering to international artists and attendees…

Inspired by Cuban revolutionaries and brought to life in an old-school Dominican diner on Prince street, Café Habana is true to its craft. Experience and expertise combine to create a place where locals get priority over food fans and isn't that what New York is all about? READ MORE

Shaun White Losing at the Olympics Is Good for Snowboarding

“The snowboarding community appreciates how Kotsenburg draws inspiration from all areas of the sport, not just the competitive scene. The majority of professional snowboarders do not compete in the X Games or the Olympics but rather take their skills from terrain parks and apply them to urban settings or the backcountry. Inspired by skateboarding, urban snowboard crews take to the streets at night… Most of these snowboarders would tell you that what they do is more akin to an art form than a sport. Snowboarding provides a means for free expression of the body the same way any type of dance does. Kotsenburg draws upon all of this in his contest runs, looking for his competitors and everyday snowboarders for inspiration.” READ MORE