Elyahna Backhouse

Whatever Surfing Means explores the negative impact of commercialization on surfing’s core values. During my time competing, I felt pressured to keep up with the latest gear, promote sponsors, and maintain a curated image—draining my passion for the sport. Media portrayals of surfing are polished and market-driven, misrepresenting its true essence, which is about freedom, simplicity, and a deep connection to the ocean. At its core, surfing is about embracing the unpredictable, having your own authentic diverse experience, and respecting nature. Far removed from image or status.

Through mixed-media design, I challenge this commercialized image and rediscover the authenticity that first drew me to surfing. Collaging commercial surf imagery alongside personal moments, I expose the emptiness behind the polished facade. Using varied section sizes and pink paper as a disruption, I highlight the tension between consumerism and surfing’s deeper meaning of freedom and connection. This project aims to inspire surfers to remember the sport’s roots and protect its integrity as it faces an evolving future.