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Surfing

Surfing

Surfing is a sport where a person rides a board on the crest of wave until they reach the shore. The board is known as a surfboard, a lightweight elongated platform to ride. Surfing is popular at beaches and even on some cruise ships that have surfing simulators on board the ship. The sport originally started in Hawaii and made its way to the American west coast in the the 1950s.

Top Questions Asked on ChaCha.com for Surfing

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  1. Can you surf in the sky?

    Sky surfing is a form of skydiving, where the diver wears a b...

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  3. Where are the best surfing spots in california?

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    Another form of wave riding on a boogie/body board is to stan...

  5. Where can I go surfing at today?

    Most places in your area in Florida is currently experiencing...

  1. Can you surf in the sky?

    Sky surfing is a form of skydiving, where the diver wears a b...

  2. Is there sand surfing or sand boarding in the Phoenix Arizona area?

    There some locations for Sandboarding in AZ, they are Ehrenbe...

  3. Where did surfing start?

    The exact origin of surfing is unknown, but by 400 A.D., peop...

  4. What is smart surfing?

    Surfing is a sport which involves gliding toward the shore on...

  5. Can you surf on Lake Michigan?

    Surfing on Lake Michigan is now legal this year but surfing w...

Top Questions Asked on ChaCha Mobile for Surfing

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  1. Is surfing easy to learn?

    Surfing is a great way to enjoy the ocean, sun and waves. It ...

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  3. What is more dangerous surfing or cheerleading?

    An update to the record-keeping system last year found that b...

  4. Who invented surfing?

    Hawaiin natives were the first to be documented surfing in 17...

  5. Where are some good surfing spots in Alabama?

    The best spots to surf in Alabama, for experienced surfers, a...

About Surfing

Surfing is believed to have originated in ancient Polynesian culture in the mid 1700’s on the island of Tahiti. By the late 1700’s surfing had made its way to Hawaii as observed by Lieutenant James King. When Mark Twain visited Hawaii in 1866, he wrote about a large company of naked natives, amusing themselves with the national pastime of surf bathing. All of these observations have developed into the sport of surfing that many know and love today.

Surfers have developed a whole culture based around riding waves. Dedicated surfers make it a major part of their life, and see surfing so much more than just as a recreational sport. Hawaii, Florida, and California have the largest populations of surfers making up this multi-billion dollar industry. Special long-legged shorts called ’board-shorts’’ were popularized by surfers and have become a staple for surfers and beach goers alike.

While surfing can be a fun and carefree sport, the dangers of surfing can outweigh the pleasures. Like other water sports, surfers risk the threat of drowning. Waves are as deep as they are tall, one mistake can cause a surfer to lose control and risk being pulled deep under water by the wave. Other dangers include collisions with rocks, other surfers, coral reefs, and other submerged objects. Safety precautions play a big part in enjoying this past time sport. Take on waves that fit your experience level and surf in open water with less surfers to lower the risk of danger.

Related Images

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BLACKPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 12: A kite surfer takes advantage of high winds and waves off Blackpool seafront on January 12, 2012 in Blackpool, England. Meteorologists are predicting calmer weather after high winds hit many parts of the North West today.

MIAMI BEACH, FL - JANUARY 03: Andy Reiter wears a sweater and wool cap as he bundles up against the cool weather looking out at the ocean before surfing January 3, 2012 in Miami Beach, Florida. South Florida experienced one of the coolest days of the winter season and tomorrow is expected to be colder with temperatures expected to dip into the 30s inland and low 40s on the coast.

A participant surfs during the Punta Galea EVE Challenge, on January 3, 2012 in the Northern Spanish Basque town of Getxo. 16 surfers took part during the five hours surf competition, riding 5 meters high waves.

A surfer carries his board to catch a wave at Seal Beach, south of Los Angeles on December 24, 2011 in California. Southern California's mild December climate allows surfers to the chance to enojy the sport throughout te year.

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Surfing