On Thursday, January 31, 2019 at 5:26:39 PM UTC-6, son_of_flubber wrote:
Does anyone who's done both seriously care to contrast the two?

I've only read autobiographies of ocean wave surfers, but there seem to be some points of contact in terms of motivation, the experience, the quest, the immersion, the risk taking, the weather, the places, the compulsion, the high...

I have used the surfing comparison for a few years to modify a common sailing/soaring comparison. In 1981 to 1983 I was an Airforce Security Specialist stationed at Hickam A.F.B.. While my Surfing skill was never really good, soaring and surfing are both dynamic Moment by moment activities which involve extremes of success and potential (if not outright) failure. The gear required is elegant and beautiful in a form follows function way. In many ways both are solitary activities which also have a strong community, even culture. Both have a specific language. For me, a day of soaring is very similar to a day of surfing. You watch the weather, hoping to take advantage of a good day. You get prepared and usually meet up with kindred spirits with some small talk of the conditions and possibilities of the coming day. There is some initial grunt work, either paddling out or rigging and getting the glider to the launch position. Hooking your first get away thermal is exciting and builds your confidence for the day just like a good set of waves. Landing out and wiping out involves a similar degree of hazard, both to your body and your equipment.
There is one difference though, surfing can be a very tribal, territorial affair and if you ignorantly venture into waters 'belonging to locals' it might get rude. On the other hand, Glider pilots have a reputation for real hospitality.
The end of a soaring day and the end of a surfing day have the same sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, scaled by how good the day was after all..
Good lift,
Scott