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Surfing becomes scarce
When missionaries began arriving in the Hawaiian Islands , they discouraged surfing. They thought is was a waste of valuable time. They encouraged the natives to pray or work instead. -
Surfing was reintroduced to places within and outside of the islands
Duke Kahanamoku surfed Waikīkī and began the rebirth of Hawaiian surfing. Duke introduced surfing to Australia, New Zealand, California and the U.S. east coast. -
Hollow wood replaced heavy solid wood surfboards
Tom Blake was one of the pioneers of reinventing surfboards.
His boards weighed half the weight of traditional boards. -
Fiberglass boards were created
Certain chemicals and materials, such as fiberglass, resin, and styrofoam, that kept boards together were discovered during World War II. Waterproof glues that kept the pieces together, replaced bolts. -
The Golden Age of Surfing
Many people enjoyed surfing and leisure time after World War II was over. -
Surfers travel far distances to go surfing
The North Shore's swells had brought on a migration of surfers from California. These surfers were in search of the ultimate ride on some of the world's biggest waves. -
Surfing turns from underground culture to a national fad.
Beach movies, music and surf fashion help make the sport of surfing popular. -
Shortboards were invented
The creation and evolution of the short board was created. These boards allowed more maneuvers and tricks to be performed. -
Surfers from around the world participate in this ancient activity
What was a thriving part of the Hawaiian culture in 1778 is now a thriving part of world culture in the 21st Century. -
The beginning of surfing
The act of riding waves with a wooden board originated in Western Polynesia over three thousand years ago.
