The History of Surfing

Surfing is perhaps one of the oldest practiced sports on Earth. The art of wave riding is a unique blend of athleticism and the beauty and power of nature. While modern day surfing is full of sophisticated and custom made equipment, such as a wetsuit & surf board the sport probably started with Western Polynesians riding the waves on wooden boards. They were most likely fishermen who discovered that surfing was an efficient way to get to shore with their catch. Eventually though this common work day act transformed into a pastime. Once that happened, the whole sport was transformed as well.

The first historical records of surfing come from the 1700s, when Europeans and the Polynesians made first contact. In fact, Capitan James Cook described in his journals how a Tahitian caught a wave with his outrigger canoe just for the sheer enjoyment of the activity. Stories from the 15 th century also speak of Hawaiian royalty enjoying “wave sliding” during their vacation.

It’s amazing that from these beginnings of a wooden board that the whole sport of surfing has evolved. So the next time you put on your wet suit to go catch a wave, remember exactly how far you, and the sport has come.