The term "odd surf curse" refers to a unique and unusual phenomenon that is said to affect surfers in certain areas. It is often considered a superstition or a myth, but some surfers claim to have experienced the curse firsthand. According to legend, the odd surf curse is said to manifest itself in various ways, causing surfers to encounter strange and unforeseen challenges while out in the water. These challenges can range from unusual weather patterns, such as sudden storms or unexpected strong currents, to strange encounters with marine life or equipment malfunctions. One theory behind the odd surf curse is that it is related to the spiritual or supernatural energy of the ocean. Some believe that certain surf spots have a unique energy or aura that can influence the experiences of those who venture into the water.
The musician, a super fan of the fantasy tabletop card game Magic: The Gathering, just bought a one-of-a-kind card from the game in a record sale, helping boost a growing trend that's made game cards almost as popular as sports cards.
Another fan who pulled the newly released Magic card, depicting the golden ring from the Lord of the Rings trilogy, sold it to Post Malone for a reported 2 million. It s the first time the price of a playing card from Magic which hasn t previously seen the same kind of mainstream success as other trading card games like Pokémon crossed the seven-figure mark.
Some believe that certain surf spots have a unique energy or aura that can influence the experiences of those who venture into the water. It is said that these energies can be both positive and negative, and that the odd surf curse is a manifestation of the negative side. While many surfers dismiss the odd surf curse as mere superstition, there are those who swear by its existence.
There's money in Magic: The booming business of rare game cards
A full foil sheet of Magic: The Gathering cards signed by the game's head designer Mark Rosewater is pictured at 2019 Comic-Con, in San Diego, Calif.
Post Malone is known for smashing music-streaming records, but the pop star is also raising the bar in a more niche arena.
The musician, a super fan of the fantasy tabletop card game Magic: The Gathering, just bought a one-of-a-kind card from the game in a record sale, helping boost a growing trend that's made game cards almost as popular as sports cards.
Another fan who pulled the newly released Magic card, depicting the golden ring from the Lord of the Rings trilogy, sold it to Post Malone for a reported $2 million. It's the first time the price of a playing card from Magic — which hasn't previously seen the same kind of mainstream success as other trading card games like Pokémon — crossed the seven-figure mark.
"It's kind of like the first time a baseball card ever sold for a million dollars," said Ken Goldin, a longtime sports memorabilia collector and owner of Goldin Auctions. "To all of the tens of millions of collectors in the world who collect Magic: The Gathering, it basically has solidified their collection and says 'Hey, this is serious business.' "
It's the latest sign that trading card games sector is gaining a strong foothold in a global industry that for more than a century has been dominated by sports cards. Thanks to nostalgic Gen Z and Millennials, who grew up collecting game cards in the 1990s and 2000s, fantasy characters are now giving star athletes a run for their money.
A few conditions are driving the market popularity of TCGs, the industry's shorthand for the category. During the pandemic, people went digging through basements collections find out how much their old Pokémon, Yu-gi-oh! and Magic cards were worth. The spree led to enormous backlogs at companies that authenticate and assess the condition of cards. Some companies expanded their operations to keep up with the demand. The release of new sets with rare cards and celebrity purchases have further fueled the excitement.
Game card authentication activity is at an all-time high
Last month, the number of TCG cards people had graded was closer than ever to eclipsing that in the sports card category. Grading, a prerequisite for listing collectibles for auction on secondary market sites like eBay, can affect the card's price. On a 1-10 scale, cards are graded on their visual appeal based a number of factors that include coloring, centering and condition, with 10 being the highest score.
Professional Sports Authenticator, which holds a majority of the card grading market, saw more than 514,000 TCG cards in July, according to data compiled by GemRate, a company that tracks grading activity; the number of sports cards graded over the same period was about 528,000. That's five times the number of game cards PSA graded two years ago.
Post Malone is known for smashing music-streaming records, but the pop star is also raising the bar in a more niche arena.
Surfing is a sport that requires a deep connection with nature and an understanding of the ocean's power, so it is not surprising that some surfers are more open to believing in supernatural phenomena. Regardless of whether one believes in the odd surf curse or not, it is clear that the ocean can be a powerful and unpredictable force. Surfers must always be aware of the potential dangers and challenges that come with riding the waves. Whether these challenges are due to an actual curse or simply the inherent risks of the sport, it is important for surfers to approach the ocean with respect and caution..
Reviews for "The Supernatural Side of Surfing: The Odd Surf Curse"
1. Samantha - 2/5 stars
"Odd surf curse was not what I was expecting at all. The plot was confusing and hard to follow, and the characters felt one-dimensional and uninteresting. The writing style was also a bit disjointed, making it difficult to fully engage with the story. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it."
2. John - 2/5 stars
"I found Odd surf curse to be a tedious read. The pacing was too slow for my liking, and the story lacked depth and substance. The author attempted to create a mysterious atmosphere, but it fell flat for me. The plot twists felt forced and contrived, and I had a hard time connecting with any of the characters. I regret spending my time on this book."
3. Emily - 1/5 stars
"I cannot express how much I disliked Odd surf curse. The writing was pretentious and convoluted, making it a struggle to get through each page. The story was nonsensical and lacked any clear direction. It felt like the author was trying too hard to be avant-garde without actually delivering a cohesive narrative. I would not recommend this book to anyone."