Written by: Adrien, Reporter in ISFM
Introduction
Now that we’ve talked about having fun and respect, let’s talk about the other stuff!
History
Surfing was probably invented in 400 AD (In the Common Area, after Jesus Christ’s birth). While surfing was a way to fish for the Incas, it was an important part of the Polynesian culture. In Africa, children learned how to swim on bits of wood:
“to swim, on bits of boards, or small bundles of rushes, fasten’d under their stomachs, which is a good diversion to the spectators.”- Barbot.
Ghanaians fished on boards, too. This is proof that surfing was very useful. It was used in many countries!
Competition
Surfing is one of some sports where points are awarded by a jury. The jury is a group of experts that give a note from one to ten. The points are scored by technique, creativity, and holding without falling (trust me, this one is the hardest). The surfer with the most points wins! The biggest wave rode by a surfer was in 2023. Sebastien Steudtner rode a 26.2 meter (86 ft) at Nazares, in Portugal. He entered the Guinness Book of Records as the tallest wave surfed. The main surfing competition is probably the WSL (The World Surf league).
Culture
It may surprise you, but surfing has its own culture! Surfers practice surfing as a recreational activity or as a competitive activity. The best places to surf in the U.S are probably California and Hawai’i. In the world, I would say Portugal and Australia are good places to practice this activity. Nazares, Portugal is a surfing place for pros! The waves are titanic!
Dangers
A sport like surfing has many dangers. It would take me a year to explain them, but here are some: Drowning; if you get hit on the head by your surfboard, you could be knocked out and drown. R.I.P Currents; the currents can be really strong and drag you deep in the ocean. Sealife; even though it’s rare, animals like sharks and jellyfish can attack or sting unlucky surfers.
Conclusion
So surfing can be dangerous and hard, but when you become good, it will be addictive and fun! I hope you liked this article on *surfing, and please subscribe if you are interested in surfing and other sports!
*It should be noted that this is part two and that part one already exists.
Written by: Adrien, reporter in ISFM
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