SURFING AND SKATEBOARDING - ARE THEY SPORTS OR ART FORMS?

Lets just begin the conversation.
First off, lets define Sport and define Art.
Below is a what I found with a quick Google search.

Let me repeat what I find relevant:
Sport- an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.
Art- 1. The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in visual form such as painting, sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.
2. The various branches of creative activity such as painting, music, literature, and dance.

Using the two definitions above, I would have to say that surfing and skateboarding are both Sports and Art. When we look at the completion aspect of skateboarding: when skateboarders compete against each other for entertainment, Yes skateboarding is a sport.

When we look at the skateboarding outside of the competition- when one skateboards for the sake of skateboarding, then it becomes art. Skateboarding is also a form of transportation,  a form of exercise.

Fortunately or unfortunately, everyone loves to be entertained, and sports can often be far more entertaining than art. Why? Because its exiting to watch a game where theres a winner and a loser. There's drama and people love drama.

People love to watch people win or lose. There's only two variables to experience. Theres a simplicity   here and simplicity is comforting.

With Art on the other hand, there are often way too many variables. When there is no competition and someone creates art for no reason other than to make whatever it is they desire; when there is no winner or loser, or points to quantify. Art becomes difficult to quantify. How can you put value in something unquantifiable?

What is more valuable? Sports or Art? Well Sports are a form of entertainment while Art can more of a spiritual act of expression. I would gamble that more people would choose Sports over Art because sports are easier to judge, easier to quantify.

I've entered contests before, but I'll tell you there's way more to surfing and skating than the sport.
The Art of Surfing and Skateboarding is multidimensional, which is why I beyond love the activities.

I 'll save the multidimensional qualities for another series of posts.

I hope these words make some sense.
Please reply with thoughts to create a conversation. Since my life is bombarded with work and responsibilities and little time for my mind to wonder and develop, conversations could be the spark to set us free.

Sincerely,
Manny Aloha

photo by Ethan Lau 

at a sacred skate sanctuary on an island in the pacific