Surfing

Surfing is a surface water sport in which the wave rider, referred to as a surfer, rides on the forward or face of a moving wave, which usually carries the surfer towards the shore.

Origin

Hawaii

Type

Wave surfing

Venue

Ocean, Sea, Artificial wave pools

Supreme Authority

International Surfing Association

Summary

Surfing is a water sport where an individual, known as a surfer, uses a board to ride the face of a moving wave, usually towards the shore. The sport, originating in ancient Peru and Polynesia, is believed to have started with people using reed boats and paipo boards for fishing and recreational purposes. Modern surfing, where individuals stand on surfboards, began in Hawaii and spread globally. By the early 1900s, surfers like Duke Kahanamoku introduced surfing to the United States and Australia, helping it grow into the popular sport it is today.

Surfing requires specific types of waves, which are often found along coastlines, reefs, and points where wave breaks occur. Wind, wave speed, and seabed topography greatly influence wave shape and size, making locations like Hawaii's Pipeline, California's Mavericks, and Australia’s Gold Coast world-famous. Surfers often rely on artificial wave pools and reefs when natural waves aren’t available. Surf forecasts, using technology from agencies like NOAA, help surfers find ideal conditions.

Different forms of surfing include stand-up paddleboarding, longboarding, and shortboarding, each requiring different boards and techniques. Stand-up paddleboarding involves using a paddle while riding, while shortboarding prioritises manoeuvrability for performing tricks. For safety, a leash attaches the surfer’s ankle to the board, preventing it from drifting away after a wipeout. Surfers also use wax for grip and wetsuits in colder water to stay warm.

Basic surfing skills involve paddling to catch the wave, positioning on the wave, and balancing while standing. Advanced surfers perform manoeuvres such as tube rides, where the surfer rides inside the breaking wave’s barrel, and aerials, where they launch off the wave’s crest. Common dangers in surfing include drowning, injuries from collision with the board or seabed, and encounters with marine life. Conditions like rip currents also pose a risk, and surfers often train to navigate these safely.

The International Surfing Association (ISA) is the main governing body of surfing worldwide, recognised by the International Olympic Committee, which included surfing in the 2020 Olympics. The World Surf League (WSL) organises annual championships. Surfers have built a unique culture around the sport, often embracing a lifestyle connected to nature and the sea. The influence of surfing has also spread to other sports, including skateboarding and snowboarding, where similar balancing techniques are applied.

Key Types of Surfing

Surfing includes several types, each requiring different techniques and boards suited to the style and wave conditions. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of surfing:

Stand-Up Surfing: The most common form of surfing, where the surfer rides waves standing on a board. Stand-up surfing is usually divided into longboarding and shortboarding. Longboards are larger and provide better stability, making them easier for beginners and suitable for smaller waves. Shortboards are smaller and more manoeuvrable, allowing surfers to perform advanced tricks and sharp turns on larger, faster waves.
Bodyboarding: Also known as boogie boarding, bodyboarding involves riding waves on a smaller, flexible board, typically lying on the stomach. It allows riders to stay closer to the wave face and is popular in shore breaks and rougher surf conditions. Some advanced bodyboarders perform tricks and use drop-knee positions for more control.
Kneeboarding: In this type, the surfer rides on their knees rather than standing or lying flat. The board used is typically wider and shorter, offering greater control and stability for performing various manoeuvres. Kneeboarding is less common but provides a different way to experience waves.
Tow-In Surfing: This type is for large waves that are too difficult to paddle into. Surfers are towed into the wave using a motorised watercraft, like a jet ski, to match the speed of the large waves. Tow-in surfing is often used in big wave surfing spots such as Hawaii's Jaws or Portugal’s Nazaré.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): This variation involves standing on a board and using a paddle to navigate waves. SUP boards are typically longer and more stable, allowing surfers to catch smaller, slower waves or paddle through flat waters. It has become a popular form of surfing due to its versatility and accessibility.
Wakesurfing: Wakesurfing takes place on the wake created by a boat, allowing surfers to ride continuous waves without needing ocean surf. The board is shorter and thicker than traditional surfboards, and no paddle is used.
Foil Surfing: This form involves using a board with a hydrofoil attached underneath. As the board gains speed, the foil lifts it above the water surface, allowing the surfer to glide smoothly even on small or choppy waves. Foil surfing requires skill and practice and offers a unique surfing experience.

Competitions

Surfing made its debut in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, featuring shortboard events for both men and women.
The World Surf League (WSL) organises the annual Championship Tour (CT), where the world’s best surfers compete in events across different surf locations. Titles are awarded to the top-ranked male and female surfers at the end of the season.
The International Surfing Association (ISA) holds the ISA World Surfing Games, where surfers represent their countries. It is also the primary qualification event for the Olympics.
The WSL also organises the Qualifying Series (QS), a series of events where surfers earn points to qualify for the Championship Tour. Top QS surfers move on to the CT the following season.
Big Wave Surfing Championships, like the WSL’s Big Wave Tour, focus on large wave surfing events. Surfers are towed into waves at locations such as Nazaré, Portugal, and Jaws, Hawaii.
Longboard competitions are held separately from shortboard events. The WSL Longboard Tour awards annual world titles for men’s and women’s longboarding.
Junior Surfing Competitions, including the WSL Pro Junior and the ISA World Junior Surfing Championships, provide young surfers with competitive experience and rankings.
Adaptive Surfing Championships, overseen by the ISA, focus on surfing for individuals with disabilities, featuring events that accommodate various abilities and adaptive techniques.
Local and regional surf competitions are held worldwide, providing surfers of all skill levels the opportunity to compete in community and national events.

References