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First Sightings
It is not exactly sure when and where exactly surfing started from, however, the first recorded sighting was in 1767 by Europeans who were on a ship to Tahiti. There are many rumors and myths that the Polynesians were some of the first to surf, because there were Polynesian cave paintings found of people riding the waves. It was very common in their culture and whoever could surf the best would help determine who the tribe chief would
be.
https://planetsurfcamps.co.uk/history-of-surfing/ -
"Wave Riding"
In 1769, Botanist and crew member of Captain Cook, Joseph Banks writes a detailed description of what him and Captain James Cook are seeing while sailing through the South Pacific; Tahiti canoe surfing. Joseph Banks stated that they, "... stood admiring this very wonderful scene for full half an hour, in which time no one of the actors attempted to come ashore but all seemed most highly entertained with their strange diversion.”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_surfing -
Touching down in the Hawaiian Islands
In the beginning of 1778, Captain James Cook and crew member Joseph Banks travel to the Hawaiian Islands and were greeted and welcomed by the Hawaiians. It is believed that the Hawaiians were intrigued by the Europeans advancement in technology and iron. https://nationalpost.com/entertainment/weekend-post/a-short-history-of-surfing -
Forbidding Surfing
When the British missionaries arrived in Hawaii, they were of Calvinist religion and flooded the Hawaiian Islands. They took over the Islands very quickly and forced upon the locals to take on their religion as well as ideologies. This ultimately led to the banning of surfing from the Islands. The missionaries were said that they thought it worked against God thus making surfing almost non existent during this time.
https://nationalpost.com/entertainment/weekend-post/a-short-history-of-surfing -
Mark Twains visit to the Big Island
In 1872, Mark Twain goes to the Hawaiian Islands and visits the Kona coastal side which is located on the Big Island of Hawaii. He recalls his experience of surfing which he calls "surf-bathing" but stated how he did not have as much of a connection or talent to it that others had while surf-bathing. He states how he failed miserably at it.
https://nationalpost.com/entertainment/weekend-post/a-short-history-of-surfing -
Surfing brought to the USA
In the hot summertime of July, there were 3 Hawaiian Princes who wanted to take a break from the boarding school they attended and surfed on handmaid redwood surfboards on the San Lorenzo River. This is one of the first recorded accounts of surfing in the United States.
https://www.surfertoday.com/surfing/the-most-important-dates-in-the-history-of-surfing -
First filmography & Professional of Surfing
In 1906, the first ever filmography of surfing was taken by the father of electricity; Thomas Edison on Waikiki Beach. A year later, in 1907, George Freeth, brought competitive surfing the the mainland of the USA. He went on to surf in Southern California and became the first recorded ever professional surfer.
http://www.redondopier.com/about-the-pier/george-freeth/ -
The first mass production of the Swastika Surfboard
In 1930, history was made again when the first ever mass production was created of surfboards called "Swastika Hawaiian Surfboards." The motto of the company was "Enjoy the Thrill of a Swastika", and were considered paddle boards.
http://www.shapercloud.com/swastika-board-by-pacific-system-homes/ -
Surfboard Fin & Surfwax are Introduced
In 1935, surfboard wax is introduced by a surfer named, Alfred Gallant Jr. who was a young man from Los Angeles. He was the first to add wax to his surfboard to create a stronger grip for the rider. Another surfer introduces a prominent part to the surfboard, the stabilizing fin. This was introduced by Tom Blake.
https://nationalpost.com/entertainment/weekend-post/a-short-history-of-surfing -
Malibu gets title "Surfing Capital of the World"
Since the days of WW2 were just now ending, the surfboard that had the name "Swastika" lost their popularity with the public and surfers around the world. During this time, Malibu became known as the "Surfing Capital of the World" right next to Waikiki. Why you may ask? This is because Malibu had "perfect" waves to surf that were sloped, smooth as well as long.
https://theculturetrip.com/north-america/usa/wisconsin/articles/meet-the-legends-surfing-the-malibu-of-the-midwest/ -
The Era of Gidget
In 1957, Frederick Kohner publishes his book that is based off of his teenage surfer daughter called "Gidget". This book was later made into a 1959 movie and kicked off the beach party movies of the 60's.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gidget -
International Surf Association is created
In 1964, the International Surf Association is founded and created. Shortly later, is recognized and seen as a "governing authority" for all water sport activities and surfing by the Olympics.
https://www.isasurf.org/ -
Surfing today
Surfing has become a huge cultural tradition for many around the globe. It is a way for people to connect and bond on a level with nature as well as one another. Surfing is one of those things that will keep changing throughout the years but will always remain the same at heart.
