Surf Training Factory

Our World That Revolves Around Surfing

Salomé Abeger

Surfboard Custom Painting

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Want to change it up and give your surfboard a new look?

Have an old board at home that is just screaming for a new, cooler paint job? Now you can do it by yourself at home with a little work and some creativity. It does not take much at all except a couple equipment and an idea of what you want your surfboard to look like. We usually buy blank (white no design) surfboard and we design it ourselves as soon as we get home.

If you are painting an old surfboard, you need to remove all of the wax, then tape your entire surfboard by overlapping the tape. You will then proceed to draw on the tape, remove the tape in the area you want painted and spray paint. Then clear coat the whole design and let it dry. It is a very easy process when you know what you are doing. If it is your first time, you will feel like you are overdoing things but honestly that is better than messing up the whole project and having to restart all over again.

To begin with, you need to have the right equipment depending on the design you want to do. You want to get it all before starting the whole entire project. Don’t start it and then having to go and buy equipment. Depending on the design you are wanting to get you will need to get colorful spray paint, low stick masking tape, a razor knife, and a bottle of clear acrylic sealant (either gloss or mate, however you want it to be like at the end) are the key items needed. Remember to do this process outside since the pain will spray all over the place without you noticing.

Also if you are redoing an old used surfboard, you will need to remove all of the wax perfectly and need to remove any paint that you longer want with paint thinner. Removing the wax is an easy process but takes time for sure. Pour some hot water on the wax and scrape it off with a wax comb. Then to be very sure it is all out you can use a “pickle” wax remover, it is the extra fiberglass from the surfboard when shaped.

If you want to make sure 100% that the wax is completely removed, you can also use some wax remover. This will insure all the wax is removed along with any residue. Wax will work against your painting efforts so even though this may be a painstaking task, make sure you do a thorough job for the best quality design.

Time to come up with the design for your original artwork. But think big. Bigger graphics will show up better and with all the work you are doing, you will definitely want to show off your work. If you are having trouble coming up with a design for your surfboard, look it up online. Look up your favorite professional surfer surfboards colors and design. This is what I do, and then when I find the one I want then, I change up a couple things so it is not identical and go for it.

Changing the surfboard design from a used surfbaord
This is one of my surfboard that I completely changed the design. I bought this surfboard like on the left and completely change it to the right image.

You can also just draw something on the surfboard without having to spray paint or anything like that. Lately, all of my surfboards have been coming in with different background colors, then I get home and draw a Disney character on each one depending on the background color. It is not huge but big enough to be noticeable. I currently have Cody the penguin from ‘Surf’s Up’ with a blue background and Nemo with a green background.

This is one case where bigger IS better. So just make sure that your drawings will actually stand out when wax is on it too.

Be creative. This design will tell your story. The next step is to tape your board from rail to rail all the way across and all the way down making sure to overlap the tape. This will keep the paint from bleeding through to the back of the surfboard. You don’t want drips of pain in the back.

Next is design time

Custom painting a new surfboard by yourself

Draw your design onto the tape, when finished begin to cut the tape in the areas that you want painted with the razor knife. This part is slightly tedious but be careful when cutting so you don’t mess up the design you are trying to achieve.  You don’t want to cut into the surface of your surfboard and make a ding. Don’t’ press too hard either, this will create a ding and some scratches. Keep it gentle and slow. It is time consuming but awesome step!

Peel back the part of the tape you want painted. Do that slowly and carefully as well, this is very tedious work but, in the end, it is so worth it.  Cover the rest of your board with newspaper to protect from the over spray, and make sure you are outdoors so that the over spray doesn’t spray your carpet.

Start with light coats of color, letting each layer dry before beginning the next or before changing colors. This will keep designs clean and crisp. Try to keep away from using heavy coats and try not to spray too close. If you spray too close, the pain will drip and not look nice and crisp, it would have to be removed and redone.

Once the design is dry peel the rest of the tape off, slowly and carefully. It takes a couple hours for the paint to be fully dry so wait before removing all of the tape, just to be sure.

 Clear Coat Time

Apply 3-4 layers of clear coat making sure to let each layer is dry before applying the next. After you applied all 4 layers of clear coat, let the surfboard dry for at least 24 hours before hitting the waves. This is just out of precaution for the paint and beautiful design you have made to not come off. Been there, done that! It is NOT fun at all.

Lastly, Wax your Surfboard

Wax your newly designed surfboard before going surfing

The only way you are going to be able to surf your newly designed surfboard is by waxing it! If you do not wax it, you will not be able to surf it obviously!

I hope that you find this article helpful in designing a new or old surfboard from home all by yourself. This will be fun and will cost you less than paying someone professional to do the job. If you are not too good at drawing, get one of your friends to do it! It will turn out great and beautiful no matter what.

Learn To Turtle Roll On A Longboard

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How to Turtle Roll in Surfing

When you start learning to surf, you don’t have the luxury of using a shortboard; rather you learn to surf on a longboard which is slower and more buoyant compared to the shortboard. This can pose some challenges. That is why the turtle roll will help you overcome some challenges.

Due to their higher buoyancy, there is no way you are ever going to get a longboard to submerge through a wall of white water. But how do you make your way past this obstacle so you can get to the starting lineup where the surfing wave will commence? The turtle roll is how to do it.

Like your long and slower longboard, the turtle can’t outrun or beat a wall of whitewater wave, but it’s a master at getting to the other side of the water. Rather than worry ourselves to death, we learn how the turtle does its thing; meaning the turtle roll.

But first, why can’t you push your longboard through the waves as shortboards do?

It can be somewhat difficult to watch shortboarders go right under huge waves without hesitation while you contemplate your next line of action before the sheer power of the oncoming wall of water tears you away from your surfboard and back to the beach. Shortboarders achieve the impressive feat through a maneuver known as a duck dive.

The bad news, however, is that longboards can’t be used to perform a duck dive. The reason for this is that duck dives require submerging the surfboard under the oncoming wave, but the larger size and buoyancy of longboards prevent them from going under the waves easily as the shortboards do.

However, longboards compensate for their inability to submerge with increased agility and faster paddling. Since longboarders can’t perform duck dives, the only way to get past the waves without getting separated from your surfboard is to learn how to perform the turtle roll correctly.

The turtle roll is one of the most important skills you will learn as a longboard surfer because you need it to get to the lineup in one piece. While surfing is a sport created entirely for riding waves, you also need to have a strong understanding of some basic skills of paddling and surfing to become proficient at riding the waves with grace and finesse.

It’s important that your paddling skills are correct and smart if you hope to make it to the lineup. You must be able to time your sets with accuracy, watch out for the shortest and most promising channels that will get you to your destination within the shortest time, and above all, be effective at paddling. When you have mastered the art of paddling efficiently, you can move on to perfecting your turtle roll maneuver so the big waves won’t be an obstacle to you anymore.

You might be wondering why the waves always flip you back in the direction of the beach? Well, it comes with the physics of the environment and your surfboard. If you are using longboards or even bigger funboards, the rules that apply to the shortboards may not apply to you when facing a huge wave on your path to the starting lineup. It’s no surprise then that the waves keep moving you back to shore.

If you are not submerged when you come into contact with a wall of whitewater, you quickly find yourself surrounded by water, and the goal of the wave is to separate you from your surfboard. The problem is that you can’t submerge your longboard under the waves due to its buoyancy and higher volume, so your head is still sticking up when the wave reaches your position, which means you will receive some serious battering.

In such a situation, the wave will pry your board out of your hold if you tried to flip it over while your arms are fully extended. The result is that you will be separated from your board, into the foaming water and back to the shoreline. If you don’t want to suffer such fate repeatedly, you have to learn the turtle roll.

The turtle roll is also known as the Eskimo Roll, and it’s the best maneuver for getting to the other side of whitewashes that are too strong to go under to the other side. If you wish to have total control in the face of vast waves of white water, then the Turtle Roll is an essential surfing skill you should learn like yesterday.

Not only is the turtle roll an essential skill for beginners, it’s also used extensively by advanced riders using larger funboards as it offers one of the safest and most effective ways to get past the breaking waves in challenging conditions without losing your board.

How to Do the Turtle Roll Correctly

Most people who are starting to learn to surf wear themselves out by paddling straight for the lineup, largely because they don’t yet know how to time the sets correctly. But you can’t win against the whitewater by paddling at top speed. To get to the lineup, conserve your energy and deploy the turtle roll.

Here’s how to go turtle mode:

Step 1: Paddle Towards The Wave, How To Turtle Roll In Surfing Surf Training Factory

  1. Paddle directly towards the wave. It’s important for your board to be perpendicular to the oncoming wave because the wave will rip your boards from your hold if you are at an angle to it.Step 2: Stop And Grab The Rails In Front Of The Wave, How To Turtle Roll In Surfing Surf Training Factory
  2. As you get closer to the wave, stop paddling and hold tight onto the rails, i.e., the side of your surfboard at a point a bit above your shoulders. Be sure that your board’s nose is slightly pointing downwards. Otherwise, the wave will flip you over and back to the beach.
  3. At this point, your goal is to grab your board as hard as you can to ensure you don’t lose your grip. To increase your grip on the rails, you can wax it.Step 4: Flip The Longboard, How To Turtle Roll In Surfing Surf Training Factory
  4. Before you come into contact with the waves, take a deep breath and flip the board upside down so that the fin side is facing up. You achieve this by pushing up yourself from the board when the wave is on its final approach, and then lean your body sideways. For increased leverage and speed while turning the board over, raise your torso slightly. When doing the roll, try keeping your elbows bent as this will allow more space to move your arms as the board goes under the wave, making it easier for you to absorb the shock. Make sure to flip before the face of the wave covers you, but also ensure you don’t flip too early as you won’t know if you are still perpendicular to the wave when you are underwater.
  5. Hold the board close to you to keep the surf strong as the amount of water between you and your board will determine how easy you can maintain your hold.Step 5 and 6: Fin is up facing the sky, how to turtle roll in surfing surf training factory
  6. When you are submerged, stay relaxed and free. Don’t try to fight the wave or stiffen your muscles. Additionally, don’t try to wrap your legs around the board as this increases the resistance of moving against the water. Hold on to the board with your hands.
  7. When you have mastered the turtle roll, you should add a frog kick to your underwater maneuver to cover some ground while the wave is traveling over you. But only attempt this after perfecting the turtle roll.Step 8: Flip The Board Back, How To Turtle Roll In Surfing Surf Training Factory
  8. Flip your board over once you are clear of the wave. Get back on the board as fast as you can by kicking with your legs while pushing and pulling with either hand.Step 9: Get Back On The Board, How To Turtle Roll In Surfing Surf Training Factory
  9. When you are balanced on your board, commence your frantic paddling to cover the ground lost while under the waves so you can get to the lineup on time.

If you encounter another wave, repeat the above steps or rest for a while if you are tired from the last turtle roll. Before trying this maneuver in the enormous whitewashes, it’s better to practice with smaller waves. Better still, you can practice the roll at home.

Practicing the Turtle Roll at Home

To do this, all you need is something you can use as a surfboard, such as a bodyboard or a tray. The purpose of this exercise is to teach you how to keep your hands bent while going into full turtle roll mode in a whitewash wave.

How To Practice Turtle Roll On Dry Land Surf Training Factory

  1. Place the bodyboard on the floor and lie over it while holding onto its two sides with your hands bent outwards.Roll Upside Down How To Practice Turtle Roll On Dry Land Surf Training FactoryTurn Yourself Upside Down How To Practice Turtle Roll On Dry Land Surf Training Factory
  2. Now look up and imagine the oncoming wave and then flip your body so that its now facing upwards. Maintain your elbows in the bent position and imagine yourself holding onto the railing of your board as the wave rides over you.Go Back To Normal Position How To Practice Turtle Roll On Dry Land Surf Training Factory
  3. When the imaginary wave is clear, roll back while keeping your elbows bent. Execute these moves with your arms and core muscles.
  4. Repeat this exercise until you memorize the moves and it becomes easy to replicate in the water.

You can also practice the turtle roll in a pool, lake, or rive without waves to just get the motion of the turtle roll down. It’s important that you execute the turtle roll and are fully submerged before the wave hits you. Also, practice the maneuver extensively in small waves before attempting it in powerful whitewashes. The turtle wave is a powerful skill for getting past challenging waves that are too strong to pass through, and can also help you avoid dangerous crashes. Whenever you are in a tight spot, remember what the slow and steady turtle will do.

Jellyfish: Everything Needed To Know

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Jellyfish: What To Know and What To Do

If you know just a little about a jellyfish, you know that they can sting you and it can be very painful. We have teamed up with Isla Surf School of Charleston, South Carolina to cover the most common types of found on the east coast of the United States, and what to do in case you get stung by one.

Jellyfish can be found all over the world. Some are popular in certain areas compare to others. But in general, they are coming close to shore when the wind is onshore. Usually they also come when you see seaweed on the beach. When stung by a jellyfish, you want to remove the venom as fast as possible. There are various ways to do so such as putting vinegar, scrapping a credit card on the location, soaking in hot water, and the famous one peeing on it (yes that is a thing, and most likely the most effective one).

Jellyfish are some of the most beautiful ocean’s creature. They make their way across vast oceans without having a brain or nervous system to guide them. But often times, their paths leads them ending up close to the shallow areas where waves are crashing on the sand.

Here are some common jellyfish found on the East Coast on America

The Moon Jellyfish

Moon Jellyfish common types on east coast of United States surf training factory

The moon jellyfish with scientific name being Aurelia aurita. It is found in most oceans throughout the world but primarily in inshore regions such as harbors and estuaries. Because of a limited locomotion, this specie of jellyfish rather stay in temperature waters with regular currents that will help hem push through the water column.

Portuguese Man o’ War Jellyfish

Portuguese Man o' War common types of jellyfish on east coast of US. Surf training factoryThis jellyfish is so beautiful! It’s scientific named being Physalia physalis is found on the East Coast but is not truly a jellyfish. Exact jellyfish are single multicellular animals, whereas the Portuguese Man o’ Wars are contained of colonies of specialized individual animals, kind of like corals. The Portuguese Man o’ War relies on currents, tides, and wind to be able to catch its inflated “sail”. That is how it is taking onward to food sources and often ends up on the beach.  It is also a surface resident. The Portuguese Man o’ War jellyfish has tentacles that can stretch from 10-30 meters or 32-98 feet in length. The tentacles are loaded with venom-filled nematocysts that gives out a very painful sting for the least if in contact with a human body. The tentacles venom nematocysts remain active and alive even when the jellyfish is dead. So next time you see one on the each, dead or not, do NOT touch it!

Atlantic Sea Nettle Jellyfish

Atlantic sea neetle common type of jellyfish surf training factory

The Atlantic sea nettle or also called Chrysaora quinquecirrha in scientific terms. This jellyfish primarily lives in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the Atlantic Ocean, as well as some parts of the Indo-Pacific Ocean. This jellyfish is a slightly larger jellyfish species. It not only feeds on plankton but also on comb jellyfish, which are not true jellyfish. The Atlantic sea nettle jellyfish also feeds on eggs, worms, crustaceans, minnows, other species of jellyfish, and mosquito larvae. Preys are submissive through the use of thousands of microscopic venom-filled cnidocytes located on each trailing tentacles of the sea nettle. These tentacles and venom can cause a very painful rash when in contact to human skins is triggered.

Cannonball Jellyfish

cannonball jellyfish common types US east coast surf training factoryThe cannonball jellyfish with scientific name being Stomoluphus meleagris is the less threatening jellyfish to humans. On the other hand, it can deliver a stunning blow to close prey and predators. When bothered, the cannonball jellyfish releases a toxin that can hurt smaller fish in the near area and deter most predators. Unfortunately, the cannonball jellyfish is the primary prey for the leatherback sea turtle. The sea turtle who does not seem to be affected by the cannonball jellyfish’s defense mechanism.

By the Wind Sailor Jellyfish

by the wind sailor common types of jellyfish surf training factory

 The by the wind sailor jellyfish is another one of those jellyfish that is not a true jellyfish, but a colonial species like the Portuguese Man o’ War. Actually the by the win sailor jellyfish functions the exact same way the Portuguese Man o’ War does. They both use currents, tides, and wind to cross the big open sea. With tentacles trailing below itself to trap and envenomate prey. While the toxins found in the by the wind sailor jellyfish is not usually harmful to humans in contact with it, it can cause some irritation of the skin and eyes if contacted with the venom.

Why So Many Jellyfish?

Jellyfish follow water waters at all times. So as the temperature goes up, more jellyfish appear. Mid-80’s is when a lot of jellyfish are seen according to the National Weather Service. Also when the winds are onshore, the jellyfish will be pushed by the wind making them get closer to shore and humans.

What To Do If Ever Stung By A Jellyfish?

jellyfish sting what to do surf training factory

Good news! Even though a jellyfish sting hurts, most are not life threatening, so you don’t want to worry too much about that. Even if you know exactly what to do, it is always better to check with medical professionals. If you are in a guarded area, go to the lifeguards and they will help you.

*If you are not in a guarded area, do what you can and if really bad get is checked by a doctor.

Here are some jellyfish sting first-aid tips that we recommend you doing right away:

jellyfish sting medical first aid treatments surf training factory

Apply Vinegar to the sting

Soak the sting with vinegar. This will deactivate the stinging cells and rinse the tentacles away, which will prevent it from spreading all over the place. It is always good to carry a little tiny bottle of vinegar with you when going to the beach. You might end up being the hero on the beach!

Pluck the visible tentacles

If you see some tentacles on the affected area, grab some tweezers and pluck it away. DO NOT use your hands to do this, it will sting you too! If you do not have tweezers, do not scrape off the tentacles with sand or anything else, it will only cause it to spread more venom by doing that.

Soak in hot water

Soak the affected area in hot water for 20 to 45 minutes. The temperature of the water should vary from 110 to 113-degree Fahrenheit, if no thermometers are available, test the water with your hand. The water shouldn’t be scalding hot, but it should feel quite hot.

Scrape with a credit card

Not a lot of people have heard about this technique. Once you have cleaned up the affected jellyfish sting area. Grab a credit card. Once you have your credit card in hand, scrape the affected skin (it should have little “pimples” looking dots all over the area) with the credit card. Press hard and scrape it for a good 2-3 minutes.

What NOT to do:

  • Rinse with saltwater
  • Make your friend pee on you. Even though this might actually work, it is not 100% true. It all depends on the hydration level of the individual. The more dehydrated, the better it will actually work.
  • Rinse with cold water
  • Put sand on it
  • Pluck the tentacles with your hands
  • Try to remove the jellyfish with your hands

Follow the first aid tips listed above to treat your jellyfish sting. Remember that if it worsens, or show symptoms of an allergic reaction, consult a doctor immediately. Do not wait too long, or it might have chances of it spreading everywhere. There is always a chance you might of gotten stung by the Portuguese Man o’ War and that one can cause more severe pain and injury. However, most of the times, a jellyfish sting can be treated with the tips listed above and an oral pain killer.

Do not let the fear of jellyfish stings get to you! It should not keep you away from surfing or enjoying the great ocean! Go have fun and if it does happen, now you are aware of what to do and what not to do in case of a sting. Even thought, it can restraint your day, it should not ruin it at all! Go to the beach and enjoy the waves!

Surfing History

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Where Surfing History All Started

Surfing History in a nutshell. The first account of wave riding was written in 1769 by Botanist Joseph Banks when he saw locals riding the majestic waves of Matavai Bay, Tahiti during his visit to the Pacific island.

However, the most popular account of surfing as a sport that reached the outside world was through the log of Captain James Cook’s HMS Discovery. On his third and last exploratory expedition in 1778 to find a passage linking the North Pacific and the Atlantic.

Captain James Cook HMS Discovery 1778 Surfing History

While stopping at the Hawaiian Big Island, Captain Cook and his crew witnessed a sport like no other ever seen by any European; riding the waves on a piece of wood.

While Cook’s last voyage to the North Pacific ended in tragedy. The crew went back to England with amusing tales of daredevil locals braving walls of violent waves, and coming off unscathed despite many near catastrophic close calls.

 

From the era of the great migrations of the Polynesians into the Northern Pacific islands of Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji, and more. Surfing has been a sport, religious rite, status symbol and favorite pastime of the people who called the islands home.Hawaii Surfboards Olo Alaia Kiko'o Surfing History

Origin of Surfing

Surfing has been an integral part of the lives of the Polynesians who lived in Hawaii. Throughout all their voyages in search of an ideal settlement in the midst of the Pacific.

As far back as 900 BCE, ancient Polynesians have been known to ride the waves on “olo” surfboards as part of their religious rights. A traditional sport and an expression of strength and mastery.

Whether standing or lying down, the Europeans who visited Hawaii in the later part of the 18th century found the sport to be complex linked with the social and religious life of their hosts.

Multiple anthropological sources on the history of surfing suggest that the Polynesians were the first to do a sport out of playing in the surf. While the Tahitians and Hawaiians are both known to have ridden the waves on specially made planks.

The Hawaiians contributed the most to the development, preservation, and popularity of the sport throughout the tumultuous era that followed the voyage of the Europeans and their annexation by the United States.

In ancient Hawaii, surfing was deeply rooted in the local folklore of the Hawaiians, their music, chants, and, landscape were full of legendary stories of chiefs and commoners performing acts of heroism in the ocean.

Kapu Taboos Hawaii Surfing HistoryThe Hawaiian society of old had a caste system which divided the population into chiefs and commoners. The society was administered with a code of taboos known in Hawaii as kapu.

The kapu regulated every aspect of the Hawaiian life, including wave riding.

To build the plank for surf riding, the locals used wood from a certain tree.

 

During the process of making the wave riding board, chants, and religious rites were performed to seek the blessings of the gods.

The chiefs and commoners did not surf or swim in the same waters. It was a prohibited for a commoner to surf in the same reef or beach as the chiefs or, even  ride on the same waves as the ruling class.

Also, commoners and chiefs used different wave riding surfboards. The chiefs were riding the surfs with 24-feet long olo surfboards while the commoners used 12-footer papios surfboards.

Despite the rich culture and great love of surfing, the arrival of Europeans on the Hawaiian islands almost killed the sport and the local population.

From the time of the departure of Cook’s last expedition to the region, an influx of adventurers, sailors, business opportunists, foreign religion, and diseases brought untold hardships to the Hawaiians and their way of life. Especially surfing as a sport, tradition, and religious expression receded over the century and a half, like all other aspects of Hawaiian life.

1898 Hawaii Becomes 51st US State Surfing HistoryBy the early 1800s, European and American missionaries were preaching against many aspects of Hawaii culture, including engaging in surfing and many aspects of the kapu system.

This led to a radical reduction and dilution of the surfing culture, especially its religious aspects. Surfing as a sport was almost in its death throes by the end of the 19th century.

In 1893, a group of business opportunists illegally overthrew the Hawaii chiefdom with the assistance of the US military, missionaries, and plantation owners.

By 1898, the United States annexed Hawaii, making it the 51st state of continental USA, and dealing a crushing blow to surfing.

A Resurgence: The 1900s

In the history of surfing, perhaps the most influential people who helped put this ancient sport on the global sporting map are Jack London, Alexander Hume Ford, Duke Kahanamoku, and George Freeth.

While the near death of surfing was due to the catastrophic actions of foreigners, the resurgence of the sport is credited largely to the work of the same people, known as kaole in Hawaii.

Jack London Surfing HistoryIn 1907, the acclaimed writer Jack London and his wife visited Hawaii. While staying at a Waikiki beach, London was taught how to surf by itinerant journalist Alexander Hume Ford. It was here that London first met George Freeth.

George Freeth Surfing HistoryTo London, Freeth had a unique, almost superhuman understanding of the waves. His rendition of his Hawaii experience, published in A Royal Sport: Surfing in Waikiki was one of the juiciest and most mesmerizing glorification of surfing and the wave rider.

The popularity of London helped pique the imagination of many people about this new sport of kings. It wasn’t long after that George Freeth was invited to California to demonstrate the act of surfing to the general public, making him one of the most popular surfers of the modern era.

Alexander Hume Ford Surfing HistoryAlexander Hume Ford was instrumental in the development of the surfing sport in Waikiki and abroad. He campaigned for the creation of a surf club at the Queen Emma Estate of Waikiki, culminating in the establishment of the Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Club on May 1, 1908. The first surfing club in Hawaii with a singular purpose of making wave riding a sport known to the world.

Before then, Hawaiians had started the Hui Nalu club as a local effort to raise the interest of the population in the favorite pastime of their forebears.

Duke Kahanamoku was a pioneer member of the Hui Nalu Club. He was one of the best surfer and swimmer of all time. Duke was the quintessential Polynesian, with a solid build, and almost superhuman agility on the surfboard and in the water.

Kahanamoku was one of the best surfers in Hawaii at the time and would go on to spread the sport all over the world during demonstrations and competitions.

He was an extremely successful swimmer. In the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, he won the gold medal in the 100-meter freestyle. And went on repeat the same spectacular performance four years later at the Antwerp Olympics.

Due to his fame, Duke became a favorite of Hollywood directors who had plenty of roles to cast him in. He never was tired of giving both public and private surfing demonstrations whenever and wherever he had the opportunity.

Thus helping to propagate this age-old Hawaiian sport to the world, specificaly in Australia which has become the biggest surfing nation in the world.

Duke Kahanamoku Surfing History

Australians have heard news of wave riding, but most Australians, be it settler or aborigine had never seen a man riding the waves with a piece of plank while standing upright with an almost carefree attitude.

But in February of 1915, Duke was going to show Australians what it was like to enjoy the sport of kings.

Duke Kahanamoku Surfing In Australia Surfing HistoryAt the invitation of the New South Wales Swimming Association to give a swimming exhibition in Sydney, Duke used the opportunity also to showcase his mastery on the waves, to the admiration and utter bewilderment of many Australians. Who at the time couldn’t believe it was possible to literally walk on water, albeit with a piece of plank.

 

The experience was truly out of this world. Marking the beginning of the explosion of this extreme sport in the ocean-loving Down Under. That was how surfing started in Australia on a large scale.

The 1920s

The role of Duke and Freeth in surfing reduced during the late 1920s. But while George Freeth and Duke Kahanamoku played a prominent part in propagating wave surfing, surfing history is not complete without mentioning the contributions of Tom Blake.

Natives of Wisconsin, Tom Blake and Sam Reid are credited as the first people to surf Malibu in 1928. Paving the way for the popularity of the spectacular waves which have cemented those beaches on the surfing map of the world.

Tom Blake is one of the most influential people in surf history, mainly when surfing started becoming a competitive sport.

Sam Reid And Tom Blake Surfing Malibu California Surfing History

In 1928, Tom Blake organized the first Pacific Coast Surf riding Championship at Corona del Mar, California.

Meanwhile, the sport of surfing had been winning new converts gradually ever since George Freeth, and Duke Kahanamoku first gave their public demonstrations in the earlier part of the century.

The first championships saw the influx of surfers from all over California. This continued until 1941 when the hostilities of the Second World War prevented the organizers from holding the event.

In 1930, Tom Blake succeeded in building the first waterproof surf camera housing which enabled him to capture all the surfing action from the water.

Evolution of the Surfboard

All through the start of surfing’s resurgence as a popular sport, most of the wave riding was done on heavy, extremely long surfboards with low maneuverability. But by the 1950s upwards, surfing became even more popular with advances in technology which infused more excitement into the game.

Thanks to the efforts of surfers like Tom Blake. Who in 1935 introduced the first stabilizing surfboard fin on a surfboard. He also invented a twin system to a hollow timber surfboard in 1943, and many other innovations. Surfing exploded all over the world.Tom Blake First Surfboard Fin Surfing History

In California and Hawaii and other surfing destinations of the world, heavy wooden surfboards were still the norm. In classical Hawaiian fashion, the heavier, longer timber surfboards created a smooth, steady but never-the-less spectacular wave-riding experience.

But as more people took an interest in surfing; creative and innovative minds went to work to make the perfect surfboard. From the old redwood surfboards, companies and individuals started experimenting with different materials to build surfboards.

Some people still prefer their surfboard to be made from wood, but there are several other surfboards made from lighter materials which offer increased maneuverability and speed. Also, the introduction of surfboard fins for stability, surf wax, coatings, and other technologies have increased the efficiency of the surfing board significantly.

Old School Wooden Surfboards Surfing History

Surfboards started shrinking in size from the 60s and 70s, culminating in the modern shortboard which makes it possible for surfers to perform mind-blowing aggressive maneuvers while riding the waves at neck-breaking speeds. Today, a lot of different surfboard types are made with new materials, and designs. Making the surfboards faster and easy to maneuver.

The design, materials, and the dizzying options of surfboards available today is a far cry from the earlier days of surfing in the modern era, and so are the unbelievable moves they make possible.

Ironically, the technological advancements that took place during the World War II were pivotal to the development of materials used in today’s modern super maneuverable surfboards.

The Invention of the Wetsuit

First Neoprene Wetsuit By Hugh Bradner Surfing HistoryOne important but mostly relegated invention, which transformed surfing from an exotic sport of a privileged few to a mass sport enjoyed by people all over the world all year round is the wetsuit.

Before the invention of the wetsuit, it was practically impossible for most surfers to ride the waves in California and other places during the cold months. Except for the very few daredevils who would rather risk a painful cold death than forgot their love of surfing.

But this was all going to change in 1951 when MIT physicist Hugh Bradner produced the first neoprene wetsuit.

However, it was Jack O’Neill who is credited with making the neoprene wetsuit popular. When he opened a surf shop in San Francisco the following year after Hugh Bradner made his wetsuit.

Jack O'neill First wWetsuit Surfing History

With the wetsuit, surfers no longer have to wait until the water temperature rose to safer levels.

Not only did the wetsuit allow surfers to surf year round, but it also enabled lovers of the sport to practice more and stay longer in the water without risking their health.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jack O’Neill holds an important place in surfing history. As a result of the immense contributions he made to the development of wetsuits.

His company O’Neill became a global brand in surfing and other aquatic sports. Making it possible for ocean addicts to ignite their passion for the water sports to the fullest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Role of the Media

From the expository work of Jack London after his Hawaii trips, the success of surfing as one of the most popular sports today is attributable to the exposure it got from the media.

Starting from the work of John H Doc Ball who pioneered surfing photograph. To his friend Leroy Grannis’ vivid surfing photographs. Which led him to become the first photographer for the Surfing Magazine and many others. Surfing magazines and surfing tours helped to increase awareness in the sport.

John H Dc Ball First Surfing Photographer Surfing History

Hollywood also played a central role in boosting the appeal of surfing as a popular sport. As more people moved to experience the unique surfing experience offered by iconic Hawaiian waves. Filmmakers, photographers, journalists, writers, and celebrities started gravitating towards surfing as well, setting the stage for the massive immersion of surfing into the lives of people all over the world.

Movies like Gidget, Beach Blanket Bingo, The Endless Summer as well as the rise of the surf rock genre championed by Dick Dale and the Beach Boys helped to hammer surfing into the consciousness of the society.

Now, teachers, college students, actors, engineers, and everybody else want to have a share of the excitement and fun offered by surfing.

 

Commercialization of Surfing

As more people embraced surfing, it became clear to the savvy that there are endless opportunities in the surfing industry. Surfing gave rise to a unique culture with its distinct fashion, music, technologies, media frenzy, celebrities, and multi-million dollar competitions.

From an obscure sport of native Hawaii. Surfing is now blasted all year round with the development of social media and on-demand TV. There are thousands of companies making surfing kits in a multibillion-dollar industry. The number of surf clubs continues to increase as the sport receives new converts every day.

Surfing competitions go on all year round, with the biggest events hosting men and women competitions in multiple locations from Hawaii to South Africa, and from Sydney to California. With thousands of spectators and millions of prize money to be won.

Surfing Introduced In The 2020 Olympic Games Tokyo Surfing HistoryWho would have thought that a Polynesian sport would become a much-loved pastime of millions of people all over the world?

From its humble origins in Hawaii. The sport of surfing has grown to become a global sport that will be featured in the 2020 Olympics, with Australia now becoming the headquarters of the surfing world.

The great surfing history is a true manifestation of the age-old saying that time heals everything.This is all about our amazing sport; surfing history all happened.

Circuit Training Fitness For Surfing

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Circuit Training Fitness For Surfing Better

Circuit training fitness for surfing better is a physical program that combines resistance training with a high-intensity cardiovascular workout. It builds strength and endurance and may be one of the best ways to burn fat fast. If you’re looking to achieve new goals for surfing such as losing weight then circuit training might be the way!

Circuit training fitness for surfing is great when working out for your specific sport. It increases the intensity and is a targeted workout in general. Circuit training is about doing a full body workout in one day instead of breaking it down to different days for the different muscle groups. Surfers all over the world use circuit training as part of their workout plans because it builds up your cardio and strength for surfing at an intensity that will help you surf longer and stronger.

Circuit training is also a great way to not get bored in the gym. It always switches up your workouts and challenges your body every day in different routines. With circuit training fitness for surfing, you will get the maximum results in the least amount of times, your metabolism rises, it makes you use all the workout tools, and you never waste another minute trying to figure out what to do next to increase your surfing performance.

When surfing we are using our whole body to move the surfboard and stabilize ourselves. It is a whole body workout that utilizes some major muscle groups such as the core, shoulders, and back. Surfing also requires some kind of endurance to be able to paddle to the lineup over and over again and to catch many waves. Sometimes the weather and waves are not the best and you will need to paddle more than usual and longer than on a clean day. This is when circuit training comes into play as it increases your endurance, as well as strengthens your entire body with a whole body workout that constantly changes.

Here are some advantages of circuit training for surfing:

Circuit Training Fitness For Surfing Burns More Fat

Circuit training fitness for surfing burns fatThere’s nothing like a combination of cardio and strength training to burn more fat. A circuit training program is more intense than either strength or cardio independently. With circuit training, you move through a series of workout movements. Your metabolism will be soaring because of the high intensity interval training (HIIT). It kicks your fat burning into high gear. You will burn more calories in 20 minutes than you would in an entire hour on the elliptical machine. Plus for the next 48hours after your workout, your body will be feeling it and the aftereffect burn will have you burn more calories while at rest.

You spend a specific amount of time on each movement or work through a predetermined number of reps. When you reach the end of the circuit, you repeat it. The goal is to work through the circuit a few times and to exercise for 20-30 minutes. Yes you read that right! There is no point of working out for hours at a time, 20-30 minutes is enough at a high intensity. Remember, we are not trying to become bodybuilders.

Home circuit training fitness for surfing sample:

* 30 seconds of squats

* 30 seconds on a stationary bike

* 30 seconds of lunges

* 30 seconds of shoulder presses

* 30 seconds of jumping rope

* 30 seconds of push-ups

* 30 seconds of sit-ups

* 30 seconds in a plank

* 30 seconds on a stationary bike

* 30 seconds of burpees

Do all of these repeated for 3-4 sets or until 30 minutes is over. Do it at a high intensity that pushes you and don’t stop. Pace yourself and you will get it done!

Surfers Circuit Training Burns More in Less Time

Surfers Circuit TrainingYou can burn 30 percent more calories in a 30-minute circuit training workout than in a strength or cardio workout routine. How much you burn depends on your age, weight, intensity and the movements you’re performing. We cannot guarantee you burning this much if you are not putting your effort into it at a 100%. But imagine burning double the calories when you do train hard!

Over the course of a month that’s an additional 2700 calories. And it’s important to know that when you strength train, you continue to burn calories long after the workout is over. As your muscles recover, they keep your metabolism high. You’ll continue to burn calories at night while you sleep. If you don’t have a lot of time to work out, circuit training may be exactly what you need. You just need 20-30 minutes 3 times a week and a little bit of space either in your house, garage or anywhere you can work out without disruption.

It is the perfect workout for the time restricted ones that need to get back to work as fast as possible. You can set up as many or as little stations as you would like and go through them until time runs out. It is the best way to get a whole body workout in 30 minutes. You can do this quick workout on the beach right before surfing and you will see a huge difference in your strength and endurance right away.

Circuit Training Can Be Performed Anywhere

Circuit train anywhereWherever you prefer to work out, at the gym, house, or outdoors; circuit training can be done anywhere, at anytime. You can cycle through the strength machines at the gym if you choose to as well. You can run outside and drop to the ground for push-ups, burpees, and sprints. We’ve provided you with a workout that you can do at home really fast. You will never waste another minute again trying to figure out what and how to workout. You will be able to get a great workout without having to use a lot of different machines at the gym. Professional surfers use circuit training when traveling on tour, and since they do not have equipment with them, they just do a quick and simple bodyweight circuit training fitness for surfing workout that will benefit them no matter where they go surfing.

In addition to these three powerful benefits, you won’t get bored with circuit training. The options of circuit training are limitless so gym boredom is never there. Create your circuit training workout before starting and follow it till the end. This is the best way to not waste time, change up your workouts and get the best of it.

Downside To Circuit Training

The only downside of circuit training might be the space and equipment required for it. But remember one thing, if you really want it, you will make it happen. Another thing to remember is that all of your workouts do not necessarily need equipment. You can do all bodyweight workouts as your circuit training and you will see the strength and cardio that you will gain. Weights and equipment’s only help you do some exercises and makes it easier to do it. But bodyweight workouts are the best workouts for surfing and life in general. You can do them anywhere at any time and it does not make you bulky and slow; which is not helpful for surfing.

Extra Benefits To Circuit Training For Surfers

Circuit training is a wonderful way to burn fat and tone your muscles at the same time as we have mentioned. Surfers use circuit training as a way to challenge their body in different ways to simulate what might happen when surfing. When setting up stations as part of a whole body workout, you are guaranteed to hit all the major muscle groups as well as the minor ones. Surfing uses a lot of major but also minor muscle groups and all of these muscles need to be strengthened as you do more advanced moves. Your muscles will build more endurance which will allow you to surf and paddle longer during one session.

Circuit training works for anyone, beginner to fitness expert. Get started today and enjoy the benefits of a high intensity strength and cardio workout for surfing. You will see how much stronger you will get and how much longer you will be able to surf. It’s amazing!

Below is a quick bodyweight pushups variations video that you can start adding one or multiple into your surf training workouts!