Abstract

Surfing is a deeply embodied and sensory practice through which meaning emerges from the dynamic relationship between body, movement, environment, and cultural experience. Situated within a practice-as-research framework, Mark’s research investigates how lens-based ethnography can engage with and represent the embodied and sensory experience of surfing through photographic and moving-image practice.

Whilst surfing has been extensively represented through commercial and conventional visual imagery, dominant representations often privilege aestheticised and idealised Pacific West Coast imaginaries, overlooking the material and experiential realities of surfing in the UK. In contrast, this research considers how British surfing cultures—shaped by cold water, inconsistent conditions, and modest waves—produce distinct embodied experiences and alternative visual possibilities.

By integrating visual ethnography with practice-based research, the project will reconsider the camera as both observer and participant within embodied fieldwork, aiming to advance debates on visual representation, sensory methodologies, and embodied knowledge.

This body of practically-led research continues Mark’s fascination with the delineation of the everyday.

Interested in contributing to this research?

This project explores surfing and embodied experience through a lens-based practice. If you would like to learn more about participating, please view the participant information below.