Surf Craft: Design and the Culture of Board Riding
SKU: 79274311533

Surf Craft: Design and the Culture of Board Riding

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Description

Surf Craft: Design and the Culture of Board RidingThe evolution of the surfboard, from traditional Hawaiian folk designs to masterpieces of mathematical engineering to mass produced fiberglass. Surfboards were once made of wood and shaped by hand, objects of both cultural and recreational significance. Today most surfboards are mass produced with fiberglass and a stew of petrochemicals, moving (or floating) billboards for athletes and their brands, emphasizing the commercial rather than the cultural.

The evolution of the surfboard, from traditional Hawaiian folk designs to masterpieces of mathematical engineering to mass-produced fiberglass.

Surfboards were once made of wood and shaped by hand, objects of both cultural and recreational significance. Today most surfboards are mass-produced with fiberglass and a stew of petrochemicals, moving (or floating) billboards for athletes and their brands, emphasizing the commercial rather than the cultural. Surf Craft maps this evolution, examining surfboard design and craft with 150 color images and an insightful text. From the ancient Hawaiian alaia, the traditional board of the common people, to the unadorned boards designed with mathematical precision (but built by hand) by Bob Simmons, to the store-bought longboards popularized by the 1959 surf-exploitation movie Gidget, board design reflects both aesthetics and history. The decline of traditional alaia board riding is not only an example of a lost art but also a metaphor for the disintegration of traditional culture after the Republic of Hawaii was overthrown and annexed in the 1890s.

In his text, Richard Kenvin looks at the craft and design of surfboards from a historical and cultural perspective. He views board design as an exemplary model of mingei, or art of the people, and the craft philosophy of Soetsu Yanagi. Yanagi believed that a design's true beauty and purpose are revealed when it is put to its intended use. In its purest form, the craft of board building, along with the act of surfing itself, exemplifies mingei. Surf Craft pays particular attention to Bob Simmons's boards, which are striking examples of this kind of functional design, mirroring the work of postwar modern California designers.

Surf Craft is published in conjunction with an exhibition at San Diego's Mingei International Museum.



Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Mit Press
Published: 07/18/2014
ISBN: 9780262027601
Pages: 192
Weight: 3.15lbs
Size: 11.20h x 10.30w x 0.90d
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SKU: 79274311533

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Jason T
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 1
Does not swivel and slow charger
As mentioned in another review, you cannot change the angle of the phone so it faces the other way since it does not swivel. Wish I wish I would have known that before placing it. Also, the charger is REALLY slow. It’s slower than the MagSafe chargers I have in my house. I’m not sure if this is defective. I only used it on my way home from work, and I will be returning it.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2026
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Fanofsam1
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 5
Tesla Phone Mount for Magsafe: Tesla Car Phone Holder for Tesla Model 3/Y
Okay so I received this Kaisepoch Tesla MagSafe phone mount, compatible with Model 3/Y, through Vine for review, and this is one of those Tesla accessories that’s all about convenience and clean in-car phone positioning. First impression—it’s a MagSafe-style magnetic phone holder designed specifically for Tesla Model 3 and Model Y interiors, so the idea is that it mounts neatly without cluttering the dash and keeps your phone visible for navigation or quick access. In general, Tesla MagSafe mounts like this are designed around either screen-edge or dash-mounted positioning depending on the generation of the vehicle, with magnetic alignment for one-hand docking and removal. What I like: MagSafe magnetic attachment makes it quick to dock and remove the phone Designed specifically for Tesla Model 3/Y interior fitment Keeps phone in a visible navigation-friendly position Cleaner setup compared to bulky universal mounts One-hand operation is convenient while driving Things to know: Fit can vary slightly depending on Tesla model year/interior generation; Magnetic strength depends heavily on your MagSafe case quality; Placement matters—some positions may affect screen visibility depending on preference; Like most Tesla mounts, long-term stability can depend on heat and surface conditions. Overall, this is a clean, simple MagSafe Tesla mount option that focuses on easy phone access and minimal clutter. If you want a straightforward mount for navigation and quick phone docking without overcomplicating the setup, this is a solid pick.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2026
A
Amazon Customer
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 5
Tesla Phone Mount (Model 3/Y/Juniper/Cybertruck)
This Tesla-specific phone mount is one of the cleanest and most functional accessories I’ve added to my vehicle. It installs neatly behind the touchscreen using the included positioning frame, so it doesn’t block any vents, airbags, or the driver’s view. Once mounted, it stays rock-solid and looks like it belongs there from the factory. The magnetic hold is impressively strong — 20 ultra-powerful magnets keep even a large phone locked in place through rough roads, sharp turns, and highway speeds with zero slipping. The 360° adjustable telescopic arm is smooth and stays exactly where you set it, whether in portrait for navigation or landscape for videos. When not in use, it folds away discreetly behind the screen. After two weeks of daily driving (including some bumpy back roads), the mount shows no signs of loosening, sagging, or vibration. The 3M adhesive has held perfectly through temperature swings, and the aluminum arm feels premium and sturdy. It works flawlessly with MagSafe phones and includes rings for non-MagSafe devices. Overall, this is a well-engineered solution that combines strong performance, clean aesthetics, and real usability. If you want a phone mount that feels integrated with your Tesla instead of an afterthought, this is an excellent choice. Very happy with the quality and design.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2026
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JT C.
New York, US
★★★★★ 4
Looks good, moves smoothly.
This is a pretty good holder. The magnets were strong and I didn't notice my phone sliding around. It also includes additional adhesive if you want to move it later on. It rotates and folds so its out of sight if unused. I would have preferred some other form of installation, like suction, but understand that doesnt always work right. If you use your phone often in the Tesla, this is a good option. I just think there are better options out there, but thats my preference. The material is nice and sturdy, nice metallic look, and bends/rotates smoothly.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2026
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Southern Bel
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 5
Sleek and looks so good in the Tesla but doesn’t have a suction option
This is a nice phone mount for the Tesla with some pros and cons. Pros: It has a very strong magnetic connection so there’s no worry of your phone randomly hitting the floorboard. It’s sleek and minimalist looking and blends really nicely with the Tesla’s interior. Note that this is not a charger, just a mount. It seems to be well made of quality materials. This mount is also easily installed. Cons: the only way to mount this is with the included M3 adhesive, this is not a suction mount, so when you go to move it, you may have to deal with residue. This also limits you from being able to switch it from one side of the screen to the other (driver or passenger), if you so choose to do so. The other con is to move it from portrait mode to landscape mode you have to reach back behind the screen to loosen the mount, adjust it, then retighten. Personally it just feels like too many steps to change the viewing angle.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2026

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