Surfing is an intensely satisfying sport that requires skill, fitness and patience – but anyone can enjoy this fun activity! Professional athletes need not apply!
Surfing has come a long way since its humble roots in Hawaii; today it represents a $20 Billion industry!
Origins
Surfing dates back to early human settlers of the Pacific. Although often associated with Polynesia, surfing was actually practiced across countless coastal communities worldwide for hundreds of years before reaching that region.
Ancient Peru, home of pre-Inca civilizations such as the Incas and Zapotecs, utilized reed watercraft as early as 200 BC for fishing and recreation purposes as well as to ride waves on. A type of board known as “caballito de totora” was often employed.
Moche people were known for practicing wave riding as part of their culture, and this form is still practiced today by fishermen and tourists alike. Archaeologists have discovered drawings depicting reed vessels on ceramics or cave walls dating back to this period.
Reed boats were likely used by early surfers as a method for catching waves, while surfers rode waves to transport their catch on boards. Therefore, these vessels can be considered the precursors to surfing itself.
As its popularity spread throughout the Pacific and ultimately reached its current form, surfing gradually evolved into its present form. A primitive form known as Hee Umauma (Hay-ay oo-MAU-ma in Hawaiian) may have been practiced by Polynesians long before Europeans arrived and introduced it with them.
Hawaii was introduced to hee nalu – which can mean both “wave surfer” and “wave slider” – by Europeans during the late 1700s. Some researchers trace its introduction back to Tahiti by the crew of Dolphin in 1767 while others believe Joseph Banks, a crew member aboard James Cook’s HMS Endeavor during its historic inaugural voyage of 1769 was responsible for first seeing hee nalu in Hawaii and discovering it there.
Hee nalu was an integral part of life on many of the main islands of Eastern Polynesia and enjoyed by both men, women, and children alike. Warriors would often train with hee nalu boats before engaging in battle; others utilized this sport for both physical fitness and social status building in their communities.
Techniques
Surfing techniques are integral in reaching and maintaining a high level of performance, from positioning in the water, timing, and controlling a board to knowing when it is appropriate to paddle or stand up on waves.
An essential aspect of surf technique is making sure it complements waves rather than destabilizes them – this allows surfers to increase speed while remaining safe from shorebreak.
Good surfing technique should be fluid, smooth, and radical at once; it is the most efficient method for riding waves.
As they ride waves, a good surfer should keep his or her weight forward and remain near the center of their board, keeping an eye on where he or she stands on it and maintaining shape so as to not slip off of it and off of the wave. This helps maintain the board shape and ensures the surfer doesn’t slip off!
Surfing requires taking into account many different elements when planning to surf, such as the size and pressure of swells that affect surfing waves, since these factors can dramatically change both their speed and intensity.
Swell is determined by both wind and tide conditions; an excessively large swell may cause waves to break in unexpected places and cause irreparable damage.
Swell can create dangerous rip currents that pose a threat to swimmers as well as people unfamiliar with sea life.
Swells can sometimes become so large that they cover an entire ocean, making it hard for unprepared individuals to escape the waters and return safely.
There are various scales used to measure ocean swells. Two such scales are the Douglas Scale and Beaufort Scale; respectively. While the Beaufort scale relies on empirical measurement techniques, Douglas scale relies on data collected through surveys conducted over specific regions.
As there is such a diverse array of swell sizes and conditions worldwide, surfing can sometimes prove a difficult challenge due to unpredictable swells which make predicting them challenging.
Equipment
Surfing is an activity that requires various forms of equipment. Some key pieces include the surfboard, fins, goggles and surf wax.
Due to an expanding tourism industry and rising health benefits associated with surfing, its market is expected to experience considerable growth over time. Surfing offers unique experiences such as relieving stress, increasing cardiovascular fitness and strengthening back, shoulder and core muscles while simultaneously connecting people closer to nature.
Pilates also helps enhance balance and body stability, making it an excellent form of exercise for people who are overweight or obese.
Beginners looking to surf should invest in either a foam board or longboard that measures at least 7 feet long; this will give them better grip while preventing any unintended slippage off their board. Surfboards equipped with fins can also lock into waves for optimal surfing experiences and allow riders to perform various tricks.
Surfboard bags can also be an invaluable way of protecting and keeping your board looking its best while on the water, not to mention providing storage for gear that might otherwise get wet or lose its grip in your bag.
Surfing requires many essential pieces of equipment, including wetsuits. A wetsuit provides protection from cold conditions while helping you focus on the task at hand. Furthermore, it helps regulate body temperature to prevent overheating.
A rash vest is another key piece of equipment necessary for surfing designed to protect you from sunrays. Worn beneath a wetsuit for additional insulation purposes, it consists of soft neoprene material.
Surfing is an exhilarating and enjoyable activity that can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages and abilities, providing health benefits while simultaneously providing entertainment value and providing opportunities to bond with family and friends.
Safety
Surfing can be an enjoyable outdoor activity that provides hours of outdoor fun, but it is essential that the proper precautions and emergency procedures are in place in case an incident arises. Most injuries sustained while surfing are minor and can usually be avoided through common sense, equipment maintenance and basic safety tips.
Surfing injuries commonly include those to the head and face. This may occur from being hit in the head with your surf board when wiping out or being knocked unconscious from being knocked unconscious from it, but can also happen due to hitting an underwater object like rocks or logs.
Surfing-related injuries often include lacerations to legs, arms or shoulders as well as neck or back sprains; although typically not serious in nature they can still be painful and debilitating.
Surfing injuries often include collisions between surfers or surfboards – this is particularly dangerous since it can result in head or neck injuries as well as consciousness loss leading to drowning.
Surfing injuries typically affect the head and face as well as legs and arms, usually from being hit in the head with your surfboard when wiping out or from striking an object in the water such as rocks.
Before and during your surf session, taking proper safety measures can significantly lower the risks of injury. These precautions include wearing protective eyewear, helmet and sunscreen.
Sunscreen should be worn by people who spend a great deal of time outside, as it offers protection from harmful UV rays that could otherwise cause irreparable skin damage or lead to cancerous growths. A high-quality sunscreen with at least 30 SPF and zinc oxide should be applied onto the skin regularly for maximum benefit.
Before planning to surf in any particular location, always contact locals and a lifeguard in advance for an assessment of its weather conditions. They’ll know whether conditions are conducive to surfing as well as whether any areas may be subject to rip currents and tides that could prevent you from having an enjoyable session.