Exploring the Role of Interactive Technology to Enrich Surfing

Surfing is not just a sport; it is a playful water activity rich in culture. Prior interaction design work to support surfers has mostly focused on improving performance; yet emphasizing performance misses the experiential value of play and enjoyment, which is under-investigated. To explore this opportunity, we engaged in a soma design process resulting in two prototypes, an actuating wearable top and an octopus-inspired soft robot, aiming to facilitate a playful experience to enrich surfing. We conducted an exploratory study with eight surfers in a swimming pool (acknowledging safety but also limitations). Through thematic analysis of interviews, we found three themes that supported the idea that the design features of the prototypes have the potential to enrich surfing. Moreover, adopting a postphenomenological lens, we investigate the Human-Technology-Water relations to understand the role of interactive technology during surfing and propose five design strategies that researchers can consider to develop future designs for the experiential aspects of surfing.