Surfing
Surfing was originally developed by Hawaiian islanders in the 15th century. During the 20th century surfing spread to the USA and Australia. The surfboards where when made from heavy timber.
During the 1950s and 1960s surfing's popularity grew very quickly. Cheaper, lighter and more manoeuvrable surfboards made of fibreglass and foam became available. Teenagers headed in mass to the beaches to try the new sport. Surfing spread to many locations across the world. Popular surf locations now include Australia, Indonesia, France, USA, Brazil, Costa Rica, South Africa and Ireland.
Surfers use leashes to prevent them from loosing their surfboards when they wipeout. Surfwax is used to create grip on the deck of the surfboard, to ensure the surfer does not slip off. In cold water surfers use wetsuits, hoods and booties to maintain body temperature. In warm water normally only boardshorts are worn.
Surfing is a unique combination or skill and adrenaline, in a normally beautiful environment. Yet the ocean is a powerful and serious element.
Generations of surfers have developed various common manoeuvres:
- Cutback - turning back toward the breaking part of the wave
- Floater - riding on the top of the breaking 'curl' of the wave
- Off the lip - banking off the top of the wave
- The aerial - arcing through the air above the wave
- Tuberiding - where the surfer manoeuvres into a position where the wave curls over the top of them, forming a tube, or barrel
Competitive surfing has developed, creating well know world champion surfers. Competitors are judged according to how competently waves are ridden, including the level of difficulty, as well as the frequency of manoeuvres.
The professional surfing world championship series is held annually at surf beaches around the world.
Although a commercial side has emerged, the roots, and passion for most surfers, is about catching waves at a local surf spot.
The falling cost of world travel has allowed more remote places around the world to be explored, revealing new surf sports.
Big wave riding has also emerged. Surfers use water craft such as jet skis to put themselves onto waves that would not be possible to catch by just paddling out.