OPINION: IT'S TIME FOR A NEW SURFING VIDEO GAME
Why Surfing Video Games Will Evolve Our Sport
Video games could make you a better surfer. A better athlete. I know that sounds ridiculous, but right now, in one of the most competitive professional athletic leagues in the world, the evidence exists to prove it.
In the February 2010 issue of WIRED magazine, writer Chris Suellentrop explains how Madden NFL, the video game franchise produced by Electronic Arts, is not only influencing the decisions pro football players make in real time on the field, but also how it’s being used to groom the athletes of the future.
“Today’s football players have an edge that no athletes before them have possessed,” Suellentrop writes. “They’ve played more football than any cohort in history. Even with the rise of year-round training, full-contact practice time on the field hasn’t increased — in fact, it has actually gone down, as coaches have tried to limit the physical punishment that the game exacts. But video games, especially the ubiquitous Madden NFL, now allow athletes of all ages to extend their training beyond their bodies.”
Suellentrop goes on to argue that the game (because it so closely simulates its source material) helps players’ minds process real-world stimuli and situations. He outlines how several successful college and high school programs have used it as a training tool, whereby coaches upload their playbooks and then encourage players to go home and run them on their PS3s. And he cites examples of how Madden has already affected some NFL-level players’ reactions on the field—and the outcome of games.
One such case: Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Stokley, who employed a clock-killing tactic he learned from playing Madden to help his team win their 2009 season-opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. After catching a tipped pass, Stokley ran parallel to the goal line before crossing it in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter. He allowed six seconds to tick off the clock, leaving the Bengals’ offense little time to work with when they received the ball. In WIRED, Sullentrop reports that Stokley had “performed that maneuver ‘hundreds of times’ in a video game before doing it in a real NFL game.”
So, what’s that have to do with surfing? Kelly Slater Pro Surfer comes to mind.
A few years ago, I saw a clip of Dane Reynolds playing KSPS in a movie called Riding Waves. I also remember reading a profile a few years after that, which mentioned that Dane played KSPS as part of his afternoon routine. Either way, Riding Waves made it clear that Reynolds—during his teenaged development as a surfer—had at least spent some time with an electronic device that simulated the act of surfing. It was setup in his living room. He had it in his house. And while the brevity of the clip made it tough to figure out whether or not Reynolds was actually any good at it, watching him surf can be a compelling argument that the game’s mere existence influenced his approach.
Backside-tuberide-to-backside-hack-to-backside-air-to-backside-board-variel. That could either be a description of the latest video clip on Dane’s blog or a few thousand KSPS points. I know that sounds a little thin, but if you think about the combos today’s surfers are capable of assembling, and then compare them to what was possible in the video games they grew up on, it seems plausible to suggest that yesterday’s simulation might have revolutionized today’s reality. Especially considering the evidence—with the NFL as a test case—presented in WIRED.
By the time surfers like Dane reached their physical peak, it’s possible that they could have spent hundreds of extra hours training their brains to link face-to-air-to-tube combos in their living rooms. They essentially had access to a mind-surf simulator. And yeah, evolution from generation to generation can explain progression. But that doesn’t negate the argument that we’re living in an era in which surfing’s state of the art—in the water—unprecedentedly mirrors what was once only possible on a digital wave.
During the 1960s and 70s, Rick Griffin imagined absurd maneuver combinations, and depicted them in his artwork. Video game developers during the 80s and 90s and early 2000s did the same. But today, the best surfers in the world are actually beginning to catch up.
I’m not trying to say that Dane surfs the way he does only because he sat in front of a screen with a controller in his hand. The guy had to actually paddle out, a lot, to become the best free surfer in the world. (He was also blessed with natural talent.) But I am suggesting it helped nudge him along. It’s entirely possible that video games can train surfers’ minds to re-visualize what’s possible on a wave in the same way they’re beginning to remold the actions of NFL players on the field.
It wouldn’t be the first time technology recast common surf paradigms. Think about what the introduction of Jet Skis and Wave Runners did to how we perceived big waves.
My point is this: We only get a few seconds in the water to read a face, paddle, standup, and decide how to react. But what if we spent hours visualizing and testing hundreds of different scenarios? “What happens when I do a frontside stalefish straight off the drop and then pull in? Or vice-versa?” The WIRED article suggests video games can help surfers translate those thoughts into real world reactions. The only problem? The training tools currently available are woefully inadequate. Madden is fine-tuned and rereleased every year; its technology has constantly evolved since its first appearance in 1989. KSPS, however, was published by Activision in 2002, the last “realistic” surf-simulation attempted by a major video game manufacturer. In the hyper-progressive world of technology-development, the game is, to put it bluntly, ancient.
I think it’s time for an update.
And I’ll admit—I’m a game geek. I want this for selfish reasons. It would be fun to play. Snowboarders get < a href="http://shaunwhitegame2.us.ubi.com/#/home" target=_blank>Shaun White Snowboarding, and skaters get Tony Hawk Ride, as well as the more-realistic franchise simply known as Skate. So I’m also a little jealous. But in the end, this argument is less about developing my already over-developed thumbs and more about the future of the sport.
An updated surf simulator would help incite progression. It would allow the best surfers in the world re-conceive, and test—over and over and over again—what’s possible on a wave. In turn, this would translate to positive gains for surfing as a whole.
But until manufacturers get to work on a new surf-game installment (which doesn’t seem like it’s going to happen anytime soon) we’re stuck with two options: eight-year-old equipment; or actually walking down to the beach to mind-surf a few liquid-form, non-digital waves. For now, I’ll take the latter. But I think we deserve better than both.
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READER COMMENTS
Wed Feb 3, 2010, 3:54 PM
This is without a doubt the dumbest thing I've ever heard. If you want to smoke weed and play video games all afternoon, go ahead. Don't try to justify it by saying it will make you a better surfer. The groms out logging the hours in the water have got you beat there.
Wed Feb 3, 2010, 5:16 PM
Hell yeah it helps! Practice makes perfect & all that, as long as the e-surfer & e-waves are well simulated. Wired recently wrote an article talking about how much smarter modern football players are because of video games. Nowadays pretty much every NFLer plays Madden & it truly does help esp. with imported playbooks & gameplans. This is no substitute for the real thing. But how often do you get 6' & perfect uncrowded waves?
Wed Feb 3, 2010, 5:25 PM
if you cant log hours with the groms then getting barreling before you go to bed is the next best thing. who knows... with technology as rad as it is they might be able to make it realistic enough to actually help. they really need to stop making perfect points and add in a few sections and beachies. lots of tits too
Wed Feb 3, 2010, 6:04 PM
Sounds good to me. Make a better video game to keep the kooks on the couch. More barrels for me.
Wed Feb 3, 2010, 6:39 PM
Would be really nice for us people living far from surf. Keep up the stoke when vacation is far away and the ice is laying solid for hundreds of miles..
Wed Feb 3, 2010, 7:07 PM
you have got to be kidding...get off you butt and go surfing...or better yet leave them for me... comin down...
Wed Feb 3, 2010, 7:21 PM
you're an idiot if you don't believe in the power of the mind to replicate what it sees- whether it's a in surf movie or a video game. people that visualize where they want to take their surfing are much more likely to get there than those who can't.
Wed Feb 3, 2010, 8:06 PM
quit ur whinging yanks... sounds like a sick idea, im going to make 1 now... haha aussies rule
Wed Feb 3, 2010, 7:29 PM
I was injured and unable to surf for a couple of months. I swam, mindsurfed and played KSPS. I wouldnt play it for points or anything I would just try and line up my big hacks etc off the top of the wave in consecutive fashion. Low and behold my first surf back in the water I was in fact sharp as a tack and I was smashing every section with the same precision I had been using the game to envisage. Another day I played it at my mates house before a surf. In the carpark we joked about the big airs on the game and how we were gonna go replicate it in the water. My forst wave and I absolutely caned it down the line on a set wave and boom I launched with , what I thought was an increased confidence. No board grab I spun my board 180 degrees and landed smoothly onto the lip of the wave. I definately think games are a helpful tool. Now I wanna check out the Reynolds video. cheers
Wed Feb 3, 2010, 7:35 PM
I have to agree that the evidence is there. Nascar drivers have been using Video Games for course simulation ever since they began incorporating Road Courses in the season's events. Dale Jr. was even quoted once that he'd radio'd his teammate re: a passing move, telling him "It's just like the game". You have to come out of the water some time. May as well practice your mind...
Wed Feb 3, 2010, 7:56 PM
hahahahahaha. killer and ibrem have the rite idea. if you like video games better than surfing, then stay in the house n leave the waves to people who really want them. but, i was a big fan of the old kelly slater pro surfer. i actually still have a copy and i still play it. video games are video games and real life is, well, real life. no comparison. on that note, i would like to see a new surfing game simply cuz ksps is effin old and new video games are always fun when its flat.
Wed Feb 3, 2010, 7:56 PM
Yes please!!!!!!!!!!!!!somebody!!!!.I've been trying to contact people from EAsports, the surfing market is humongous!!!! imagine the online possibilites were you built your character from scratch, You choose when and where to surf,earn money to be able to travel and surf different places, imagine the possibilities!!!
Wed Feb 3, 2010, 8:45 PM
Before I entered Uni, I used to surf pretty much everyday.. But now I live on the South Coast of England, I don't get waves really often at all and I admit that a new proper surfing video game would make my days way easier to bear until I get some swell!! Cause it's a bit of a nightmare at the moment to be honest.. Haven't surfed for a month!
Wed Feb 3, 2010, 9:00 PM
Not enough video games for surfing, when ya can't go surfing go video, surfing has done me well I'm an old man and in good shape...
Wed Feb 3, 2010, 9:05 PM
A tow surfing game would kick ass, even though I don't play games.
Wed Feb 3, 2010, 11:05 PM
I don't know if it can make you a better surfer or not. But it sure as hell can't hurt. ANd when it comes down to it...... its fun. KSPS is a sick game but like the article said.... OUT F'n DATED!!! I've been waiting for something new for a looooong time. ITS TIME DAMMIT!!!!
Thu Feb 4, 2010, 12:37 AM
I enjoyed this article, and I totally agree with how video games could make you better. I feel like I would be able to visualize different manuevers in situations I normally wouldn't have. Nice work, and I do love KSPS. They need to make a new game!
Thu Feb 4, 2010, 1:14 AM
Kelly Slater Surf is lame, Transworld Surf by Atari was the best surf game it blows KSPS away, they should make a updated version of Transworld Surf!
Thu Feb 4, 2010, 2:06 AM
Football & surf are not the same, you can lear and practice plays in footbal, but unless some one can simulate diferent brakes exactly, i mean real brakes like pipe, malibu, todos, mavs, j-bay ,etc. it wil have no real efect other that improve your eye-hands reaction time.
Thu Feb 4, 2010, 3:04 AM
ya it makes sense. if the waves are flat, shit, why not surf digitally. recently i actually had a good idea that a game should be developed where you can cruise and skate around town, and paddle out into the water and surf. it would be the ultimate. sadly i'm no game developer so i'll just have to sit and wait to see what they come up with, if they ever do
Thu Feb 4, 2010, 3:42 AM
Oh wah someone comes up with a novel idea about surfing video games, we should instantly call foul...oh wait, except it's dick high and blownout and quite frankly an afternoon on the couch with your buddies simulating the things you would be doing if the surf were actually firing doesn't sound so bad...come to think of it, those airs you've been meaning to try, virtual local, now at least you actually have a chance of sticking one on your tv screen.
Thu Feb 4, 2010, 5:56 AM
In terms of actual gameplay and realistic surfing, I have to say that Sunny Garcia Surfing was the best surfing game to date. I've played KSPS, Transworld Surf, SGS, and even H30 (lol), and out of all of them the one I'd play without a doubt is Sunny Garcia Surfing. The turning is super realistic, and its the one game where I felt like the control of speed on the wave was done right.
Thu Feb 4, 2010, 6:06 AM
This needs to be done.. surfing games help you mindsurf when theres no waves.. all that you need to do is cross all the existing surfing games there has ever been and add a hint of EA's "Skate" body dynamics and your laughing.. Sunny Garcia Surfing (PS2) - best wave dynamics and ride. Kelly Slater Surfing (PS2) - best graphics. Transworld Surf (PS2) - best realism (paddle outs, wave setups and wildlife) and best competition mode. EA should just smash into the extreme marketplace and do EA SNOW & EA SURF.. job done.
Thu Feb 4, 2010, 6:47 AM
threr you go new game for you: http://www.youriding.com// surfing
Thu Feb 4, 2010, 8:47 AM
i posted a comment about this and you cowards didnt post it . sorry but we dont want to buy your stupid shit that has no purpose in the ocean., Your a disgrace to surfing and everything in it. And like i said yesterday DAVE PARMENTER is probally Kickin his own nuts for ever being involved with this trash.Moderate this because you might lose an advertisement. Former subscriber!!!!1994-2010 .
Thu Feb 4, 2010, 9:32 AM
you can't surf at night or when there's no swell. so hell yeah , give us a friggin good vidio game.
Thu Feb 4, 2010, 10:10 AM
hey maybe you can try youriding.com, it's an pretty realistic online surfing game! I've heard that many players have improved their real skills by playing it! It seems you might be right!
Thu Feb 4, 2010, 11:18 AM
A new video game would be fun and all, but surfing is not about using technology to improve. surfing is supossed to be about you and the ocean, not you and the Tv screen.
Thu Feb 4, 2010, 11:17 AM
Pro Surfing for iPhone is the best thing going now.
Thu Feb 4, 2010, 12:16 PM
sound cool looking forwed to play
Thu Feb 4, 2010, 2:25 PM
I would love to see a new surfing video game when I can't get out, its nice to ride some waves on TV.
Thu Feb 4, 2010, 5:51 PM
Killer bros. After EA makes a new surfing video game that spawns the next Kelly Slater, I'm going to make a modern version of North Shore where Rick Kane comes to Da Country after winning the Couch Surfer Classic. Wave pools are for sissies. Now you can become a ripper without ever leaving your couch...or bong.
Thu Feb 4, 2010, 5:56 PM
a surfing video game would make flat days a little less depressing. another one is definitely needed.
Thu Feb 4, 2010, 7:37 PM
I really think the WCT would translate well to a videogame. You could start as a rookie. You have to do well in the first couple of contests are you are off of the tour. If you stay in the top, you can keep going to the next contest, and eventualy get to surf Pipe. They can make the hundreds of NBA players act just like their real counter parts. 45 surfers updated ever year should be nothing. I guess next year it will be 30 something. Anyway. I think it would work great. ASP 2011 by EA sports. I would buy it every year.
Thu Feb 4, 2010, 8:23 PM
I still think nothing can replace the act of actually getting wet, taking your beatings, learning a solid bottom turn, and letting buckets fly out the back. Video games definitely stimulate the mind to reflex gap but don't initiate any physical reaction as it relates to the core muscles and quick twitch muscles used in surfing. We'd need a physical simulator to mimic that with sensors attached to our bodies and some sort of suspended gyro apparatus to allow our bodies to move in the directions that our minds dictate. Would be pretty cool!! Check out my blog on it: http://stuffsurferslike.com/2008/10/30/8-mindsurfing/
Thu Feb 4, 2010, 10:07 PM
All- Please spend all your time on these games...more waves for me
Fri Feb 5, 2010, 10:05 AM
My company is working on developing a surf video game with some of the best surfers in the world.We hope to have this in the market in the next year or 2.www.prosurfingmanagement.com
Fri Feb 5, 2010, 1:22 PM
its called youriding.com check it out twats
Mon Feb 8, 2010, 7:42 AM
Tony hawk has his new game on a skateboard which is epic. i longboard and shortboard as much as i can but why have all the other sports got cool games. surfing should step up and get up to speed with all the others theres a huge market there Every surfer i know loved kelly slaters pro surfer so just update it and lets play after all somedays there is no surf. i've played youriding.com and its pretty lame. ASp world tour surfing for ps3 and xbox and wiii its got to be worth it!!!!
Thu Feb11, 2010, 12:29 AM
seriously sunny garcia pro surfer is way better than kelly slater pro surfing....with all the new tech it would make a sick idea... you cant surf at night....
Thu Feb11, 2010, 4:16 PM
The industry needs a game that teaches beginners the etiquettes of surfing, a surfer waterman skills like watching the weather, tide and swell with different spots around the world. A game that is connected to a live weather surf forecast and a chance for someone to see how they surf given their weight/height/body type and surfboard dimensions on a particular surf break. Integrate all this with a Wii Fit type of sensor on a board to help simulate the balance needed to actually surf...this would be the ultimate surf game when there are no waves.
Sun Apr25, 2010, 6:06 PM
YESSSSSSSS. We definately need a better and realistic surfing game for the xbox 360 and PS3.
Sat May22, 2010, 6:58 PM
dude would it be dope if they made a new surfing game and you could play on xboxlive with your friends and other peeps andthey had live surf conditions, so you can just go anywhere around the earth and surf the exact conditions with or against your friends, that would be dope, instead of ea skate,,, ea surf, you could free surf, comp surf in the wqs up the aspsurf comps, even make your own surf section for a vid and pick a song haha damn..so many options they could go with it.
Thu Jun24, 2010, 5:00 AM
i still play sunny garcia ps2 in the nights i cant belive that make bad videogames and surfing nothing. 10 years for none videogames, one you riding pc game for xbox360 with multiplayer will be nice or a aspworld championship tour with all circuit surfers with wil cards or legends mode with all camera types for play from the beach and 3d persone. i think a never will see that maybe the kids for my sons buuuuuuuu