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The most important part of a good surfboard is its shape. A good board will help you surf better, make paddling easier, and give you more speed. There are two main types of surfboards—shortboards and longboards. Shortboards are designed for experienced surfers who want to do tricks and have more control over their board. Longboards are designed for beginners and people who want to cruise on the waves.
If you’re looking for the best all-rounder surfboards to buy in 2022, read our latest surfboard reviews on Outdoor Trends.
This blog post will explore some other fun facts about surfing.
1. Surfing Was First Depicted in Art In 1778
In 1778, an English explorer named Captain James Cook became the first person to document surfing in art. In the third Voyage of Discovery, he and his team drew a picture of Hawaiian natives riding wooden boards on the waves.
2. The Largest Wave Ever Surfed Was Recorded In 2001
In 2001, big-wave surfer Garrett McNamara rode a wave estimated to be around 100 feet tall. This is believed to be the biggest wave ever surfed. This big-wave surfer is known for surfing extremely large waves around the world.
3. There Are Now Surf Schools All Over the World
If you want to learn how to surf, you can sign up for classes at one of the many surf schools around the world. Surf schools will teach you the basics of surfing, such as paddling and standing up on your board. Some basics about learning to surf are to be aware that waves can be powerful, so you need to watch how big they are before you paddle out. Also, the bigger the wave, the faster it will be, so be prepared for a sudden rush of water when you stand up! You’ll need good balance and coordination to stay on your board. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the ride!
4. Surfing Is an Olympic Sport
Surfing became an official Olympic sport at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics. This resulted in a huge boost in both popularity and participation worldwide, most notably in Japan. The Center for surf studies was established at Shumei University in central Japan, with its curriculum focusing on both the physical and social aspects of surfing. The aim is to promote “surfing culture” as a way of life that embraces ocean conservation along with the enjoyment of outdoor activities.
5. Surfing Was Banned in California in The Early 1900s
In the early 1900s, surfing was banned in California due to its perceived dangers. This was largely driven by public outcry after a series of drownings that occurred while people were surfing. While some surfers continued to ride waves clandestinely, it wasn’t until the 1950s that surfing began to regain its popularity in California. Today, surfing is not only popular but also widely considered to be a safe activity.
6. Surfing Is One of The Oldest Sports in The World
Some historians believe that surfing may be one of the oldest sports in the world, with origins dating back thousands of years. While the sport likely originated in Polynesia, it eventually spread to other parts of the world, including Hawaii and California. With its old-school surf culture, Hawaii is often called the capital of surfing.
7. Surfing Requires Only a Few Pieces of Equipment
All you need to surf is a surfboard for professionals, a leash (to keep you tethered to your board), and a wetsuit (to keep you warm in cold water). While there are many different surfboards, they all serve the same basic purpose: to help you ride waves. Leashes and wetsuits are relatively inexpensive, making surfing an affordable sport for people of all ages.
8. Surfers Make Excellent Athletes
You’ll need excellent upper-body strength, balance, and coordination to be a good surfer. It’s also important that you have the stamina to swim in and out of surfing with your all-rounder surfboard. You will quickly develop all these athletic skills with regular practice. This not only makes surfing a great workout, but it is also fun and adventurous.
9. WWII Led to the Popularity of Surfing
After WWII, returning soldiers were on furlough for 30 days before getting their pension. They often spent this time 60 miles off the coast of California—right in the middle of some great surf spots. The area was full of others looking to catch waves, and they soon caught on through stories and photos shared after returning to their home base. This spread across America and soon became an active sport that we know today!
10. Surfers Perform Intentionally Dangerous Stunts
Surfers often perform risky tricks in big waves to win competitions. The waves are very dangerous, which is why most people view surfing as such a dangerous sport in the first place. Most injuries happen out of the water when surfers fall on their boards or slip-on rocks near shorelines. These accidents can result in serious injury, especially if the board hits the head. It’s advocated that all surfers wear helmets because helmets can save lives.
11. New Surfers Are Nominally Experienced in The Water
Surfing is unique because nearly all beginners are relatively experienced when they start. Most people who decide to surf have at least held their breath underwater, so the only real challenge is balancing on the board. Surf style has a wide range of flavors, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Knowing what you want from your surfing is the key to picking the right board.
Surfing can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a challenging sport. If you’re new to surfing, it can be helpful to read our buyer’s guides and find the best surfboards for professionals in 2022. You can also find information on the best throwing knives for self-defense, the best throwing axes & hatchets, the best professional hoverboards of 2022, the best e-bikes of 2022 for commuting, and more such products.
