Citation

Hesselink AE. Acta Criminol. 2008; 21(SE-1): 117-130.

Affiliation

Department of Criminology, School of Criminal Justice, College of Law, University of South Africa (hesselae@unisa.ac.za ).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Criminological Society of South Africa)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Train surfing is an extreme 'sport' which involves riders climbing or "surfing" on the outside or top of a moving train. The 'sport' was made popular in the 1980s in Germany. There it was called "S-Bahn Surfing".

Train surfing is conduct deemed irrational and irresponsible to many non-surfing individuals. However, for the riders themselves, this thrill-seeking and risky activity means to be brave (fearless or courageous), facing fear, respect, status, courage, acknowledgment, recognition, skill and talent to ride, dance, manoeuvre, surf and survive the fast moving trains. Internationally, and in South Africa, "surfism" (train surfing), seems to fulfil youngsters' need for risk, adventure and high-risk test of courage. Although train surfing is a growing phenomenon on a national and international (America, Berlin, Brazil, Britain and Hamburg) level, scientific publications related to this high-risk activity are scarce. This article highlights qualitative research findings related to nine juvenile male train surfers of Soweto, Gauteng, and reports on the participants in-depth, first-hand experiences and feelings pertaining to their involvement in train surfing.

Language: en