Gay group makes waves

Gay surfers aren’t a particularly visible part of the sport of surfing and its lifestyle. With contemporary cinema turning its eye on the culture and the advent of online communities providing a safe space for those who identify as such, things look set to change.

Gaysurfers.net is an outlet for gay surfers to socialise, born out of some of the homophobia participants have faced in the sport.

The rapidly growing new social site has members from 76 countries, aiming to connect and share the same passion and issues, and provide solidarity among gay surfers worldwide.

Launched in February 2010, it has grown to include articles, lists of surf spots and films, as well as community tools such as groups, forums and member searches.

“I have been surfing for many years and I always found it hard to meet other gay surfers,” site creator Thomas said.

“I searched the web but never found any websites for gay surfers. I met a few other gay surfers during different surf trips — almost all of them would hide their sexuality.”

The site works as a safe place where members can remain anonymous. Interested users’ names and email addresses will never be published or disclosed to third parties, and will not appear on the website or search engines like Google. Only a nickname, photo and description are shown on a profile page.

Thomas said he believes there is a surf culture beyond the macho young male facade and there are many parts of the lifestyle that gay surfers want to share beyond dating.

“I am talking about sharing common interests with the people we want to surf with. I was hoping that someone out there would build this community. But it never happened.”

info: Visit www.gaysurfers.net