The psychology of surfing in Alaska

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Why do you surf in Alaska?!

In my search for some better way of answering this question I came across a San Francisco State University study that seemed applicable. Surfing in Alaska is not cheap, easy, or normal, but we love it and without a doubt, it makes us happy. Look at Mike in the photo above. He’s not just smiling because he was handed a cold beer after surfing in the snow for a couple hours. And he’s not laughing because he had to sell his house to buy the #MiloSurfBoat so he could surf better waves in Alaska. He’s stoked because he feels alive and his ‘higher order needs’ are being met. Seriously – check this out:

The study demonstrates that experiential purchases, such as a meal out or theater tickets, result in increased well-being because they satisfy higher order needs, specifically the need for social connectedness and vitality — a feeling of being alive. –  San Francisco State University study

What could make you feel more alive than surfing in a snowstorm? Just don’t stay out too long or you might pass over into a different kind of feeling. . .

So what are you waiting for? Pull out that credit card and go surfing in Alaska (if only it was that easy!)

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