Author: Jim Brown
Most surfers feel the thrill of surfing long before they buy their first surfboard. Some aspiring surfers might have innocently dabbled with surfing on the shoreline using boogie boards or spare pieces of plastic. An aspiring surfer is one that has spent many vacations at the beach and in the surf and at some point, they might have developed a yearning to learn how to ride a board on top of a wave.
After they have committed their heart to surfing, by buying a surfboard that will meet their needs, they find that they have many things to learn along the way to ride the board the way they envision it is possible in their head. All of the things that they learn along the way are certain to be thrilling, but what they learn about themselves will stay with them for the rest of... their lives. To perfect their surfing style, they might have performed tricks that they were not aware of and the surfer probably never knew that they were actually surfing if someone had not told them.
The inspiration to learn how to surf might have come from surfers who were on the beach and in the water during those vacations. Some vacationers are positively thrilled to learn that there are surfers on the beach who are under the age of seven. Many eyes might be focused on a surfer in the distance that has an uncanny ability to ride the waves with what seems to be a short surfboard underneath them.
Many people will be thrilled when they get to see the surfer paddling out toward the waves with a surfboard and many will wonder if the surfer is aware of the number of people who are in the water with them. Some people might mistake the thrilling feeling that they have because fear and thrill sensations run so close together. Every trick that a spectator views is likely to make them sit up and take notice, and more for worry than the thrill of watching them attempt daring feats on a board that is not as tall as the surfer is.
Some people will enjoy the thrills of surfing without ever trying to surf. These people are content to spend the day with family and friends at the beach and find true enjoyment out of watching surfers perform various tricks. Some of those tricks will seem quite daring and make that person glad that they have their feet firmly planted on the shore. Some friends in the group might want to give surfing a try but will wait until they have a better day to do it.
Other people find surfing thrills between the covers of sports magazines. Some will sit poolside at home and dream of the day that they take their turn on a surfboard. That day might not ever come, but at least the person is enjoying a day in the sun, just like the surfers are on a beach far away. The person that is sitting in the middle of suburbia can at least pursue some surfing dreams by latching onto the imagination of a surfer who stopped surfing long enough to put the action in writing.
Article Tags: Football Fanatics Coupon Codes, Footlocker On-line Coupons, NBAStore Coupons
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/the-thrill-of-surfing-329014.html
Tuesday 19 February 2008
Surfing With the Billabong Brand
Author: Robert |
Billabong set its roots in Queensland. It was founded in 1973, by Rena and Gordon Merchant. The company started out as a manufacturer of board shorts and slowly expanded its operations.
In 1981, the company decided to become an aggressive player in the surf apparel market by branching out to an international crowd. At first, it expanded its business to include New Zealand and the United States, then to South Africa, Japan and finally to Europe. Once the ball was set in motion it was only a matter of time before it became a global effort.
As the brand gained exposure and popularity the company decided to branch into other sports related apparel markets. They started experimenting with different lines of sports packages such as snowboarding and skateboarding.
In 1991, once they were satisfied with the quality of their new products, the...company began to manufacture and distribute to the snowboarding and skateboarding crowd on a much larger scale. As they expanded into these other areas, they were able to discover much success.
In 2000, Billabong international was listed as a publicly traded company on the Australian Stock Exchange. Once enough capital was generated, the company quickly decided to bolster its position in other key sports related industries by purchasing such name brands as Von Zipper, Kustom Palmers Surf, Element and Nixon. Each of these brands helped them gain position in other related sporting good categories.
In 2005, the company decided to give itself a bigger retail foothold by opening a number of Beachworks locations around the globe. These effective retail locations began successfully selling a number of the company’s top products.
In 2007, Billabong in a long overdue move, decided to acquire Xcel, a premium wet-suit brand based in the United States. With this acquisition, it positioned the company to be one of the strongest surf related brands in the world,
Popular Culture
Many of today’s top surfing stars endorse the Billabong brand name. These endorsements have led to an increase of brand awareness and popularity of their popular surf related apparel line. Many teenage skaters, snowboarders and surfers today sport the billabong brand apparel because of this. It has become a mainstay in teenage popular culture.
Ranges
http://www.kjbeckett.com/acatalog/billabong.html\">Billabong has had a successful expansion into many of the sporting goods extreme categories. They can now boast apparel for skaters, surfers and snowboarders. Their products range in size and age from t-shirts to surf shorts to sandals, sunglasses to watches and other snowboarding related items.
Company
The company is a publicly traded company, yet its founders still maintain a 20% share in it.With its aggressive marketing style and attractive celebrity endorsements Billabong has placed itself in a solid position to hold the market share for years to come.
Article Tags: Business, Accessories, Wallets
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fashion-articles/surfing-with-the-billabong-brand-335476.html
Friday 8 February 2008
Water Sports and Surfing in California
With its fabulous, year-round warm climate, California has been synonymous with surfing and the sporty, tanned, blonde-haired types who have participated in the sport since the 1960s. As such, you'd be hard pressed to find somewhere better to go if you want to ride the best waves! The undisputed hotbed of surfing in California is San Diego - the state’s second largest city. Here, you’ll find fantastic Pacific beaches with facilities specifically designed for surfers and other water sports users, as well as some of the biggest waves that the Pacific has to offer.
Home to several of the surfing industry’s biggest manufacturers and famous..pro surfer Rob Machado, the city’s hottest surfing beaches can be found at Black’s Beach, Swamis, Windansea and, of course, at San Diego’s biggest beach: Mission Bay. Attracting millions of visitors each year, San Diego’s beaches are packed with surfers eager to ride the waves; and on the days when the surf isn’t up to par, you'll be able to participate in other exciting water sports - such as water-skiing, jet skiing and paragliding.
Instruction in all water sports disciplines is available at Mission Bay Beach, with some of the biggest and best water sports schools to be found there. Just beyond the beach there is a massive park that offers other recreational activities, such as volleyball and basketball; but with plenty of picnic areas and outdoor barbeques, this park quickly fills up during the summer months, so sun-lovers must get there early to secure their spot!
Many of the best hotels in San Diego are also found in the Mission Bay Beach area, which - at only six miles from the international airport - is convenient to reach and also serves as a great base from which to explore the city and its surroundings.
As California’s second largest city you’ll find there is much to do in San Diego when you’re not surfing, swimming or generally splashing around in the sea; you'll be able to visit everything from some of California's best art museums to local zoos! The San Diego Museum of Art, the Museum of Man and the Natural History Museum are all popular attractions and are all found in the picturesque Balboa Park, along with the Museum of Photographic Arts.
Other cultural highlights include local theatres, opera and the San Diego Symphony. The city is also home to two major US sporting franchises: the NFL's Chargers and the Padres, a popular Major League Baseball team. If none of those alternative attractions or activities tickle your fancy, how about trying the impressive San Diego Zoo, Seaworld, the Wild Animal Park, or even the theme park at Legoland?
Whatever attracts you to San Diego, whether it's sun, sand, surf or the sights, you'll be warmly welcomed by friendly locals, who will do all they can to help you enjoy your holiday.
Home to several of the surfing industry’s biggest manufacturers and famous..pro surfer Rob Machado, the city’s hottest surfing beaches can be found at Black’s Beach, Swamis, Windansea and, of course, at San Diego’s biggest beach: Mission Bay. Attracting millions of visitors each year, San Diego’s beaches are packed with surfers eager to ride the waves; and on the days when the surf isn’t up to par, you'll be able to participate in other exciting water sports - such as water-skiing, jet skiing and paragliding.
Instruction in all water sports disciplines is available at Mission Bay Beach, with some of the biggest and best water sports schools to be found there. Just beyond the beach there is a massive park that offers other recreational activities, such as volleyball and basketball; but with plenty of picnic areas and outdoor barbeques, this park quickly fills up during the summer months, so sun-lovers must get there early to secure their spot!
Many of the best hotels in San Diego are also found in the Mission Bay Beach area, which - at only six miles from the international airport - is convenient to reach and also serves as a great base from which to explore the city and its surroundings.
As California’s second largest city you’ll find there is much to do in San Diego when you’re not surfing, swimming or generally splashing around in the sea; you'll be able to visit everything from some of California's best art museums to local zoos! The San Diego Museum of Art, the Museum of Man and the Natural History Museum are all popular attractions and are all found in the picturesque Balboa Park, along with the Museum of Photographic Arts.
Other cultural highlights include local theatres, opera and the San Diego Symphony. The city is also home to two major US sporting franchises: the NFL's Chargers and the Padres, a popular Major League Baseball team. If none of those alternative attractions or activities tickle your fancy, how about trying the impressive San Diego Zoo, Seaworld, the Wild Animal Park, or even the theme park at Legoland?
Whatever attracts you to San Diego, whether it's sun, sand, surf or the sights, you'll be warmly welcomed by friendly locals, who will do all they can to help you enjoy your holiday.
Surfing Costa Rica's Pacific coast
The Pacific coast of Costa Rica is fast becoming one of the hippest spots on the backpack merry-go-round. It's a surfer's paradise in Central America's most laid-back holiday spot. Areas such as the Nicoya peninsula and Dominical further to the south are the real hotspots where the beaches are sublime and trees and rocks tumble down to meet the fine, white sand - Costa Rica has a reputation for its magnificent flora and fauna and there's nothing to be disappointed about on that score here. Pelicans and frigate birds wheel overhead as the booming calls of howler monkeys resound from the nearby rainforests. For those...not satisfied by the ocean alone there are also numerous hikes in the region and due to Costa Rica's relatively small size you are never far away from the eco-tourism centres further inland.
Sticking out like a spare limb into the temperate waters of the Pacific, Nicoya has a myriad of unspoiled beaches where the breakers roll in consistently offering great surfing for all levels of ability whether you're a pale rookie paddling out for the first time or a sun-gnarled veteran. It is this variety that makes the area perfect for one of the world's fastest growing sports and the region has had a fantastic reputation in the worldwide surfing community. A few years ago villages such as Santa Teresa were no more than a few fishing huts clustered together but with the boom of tourism in the area numerous services are now provided by locals offering the dusty streets a ramshackle charm - a perfect setting for the laid-back surfers and the ever-growing community of young visitors. For those just wishing to hang out then there a numerous beach restaurants and beer shacks where laid back tunes and chilled cerveza set the tone for the after hours entertainment.
Further to the South lies Dominical, probably Costa Rica's most famous surfing grounds. It's slightly less isolated than the Nicoya region offering easy access to the surrounding national parks and also the nation's capital, San José. The area is famed for its "surf camps" where surfing, accommodation food and activities are all included in the package and is a great way for beginners to get into the sport and even for experienced surfers who get the chance for tips from local instructors. The region has begun to develop but by no means to the extent that we are used to in big European resorts, eco-lodges are the typical accommodation here and the focus is on preserving an area of immense natural beauty. Whether surfing Dominical's famous breaks or just chilling on the beach you'll find the area is as close to paradise as you're likely to get in Costa Rica. It's also worth noting that it's not just surfing that's on the activities list on Costa Rica's pacific coast, the whole area is a huge aquatic playground; waters teeming with fish and other life mean great scuba diving and yes, you guessed it, great fishing with many local boats taking tourists out on the hunt for tuna, wahoo, marlin and other big game.
There are even language schools opening to cater for the influx of young travellers (an excellent example of this is http://www.babylon-idiomas.com/ with a great presence in mainland Spain and Latin America) - no longer solely the domain of evening classes in your home country, learning a second language these days is all about cultural immersion. The message is "why not learn Spanish whilst you're learning to surf or dive?" and with much of Central and South America now more open to tourism there's no better time to learn the skills to make yourself understood whilst enjoying the more obvious pursuits open to travellers.
Sticking out like a spare limb into the temperate waters of the Pacific, Nicoya has a myriad of unspoiled beaches where the breakers roll in consistently offering great surfing for all levels of ability whether you're a pale rookie paddling out for the first time or a sun-gnarled veteran. It is this variety that makes the area perfect for one of the world's fastest growing sports and the region has had a fantastic reputation in the worldwide surfing community. A few years ago villages such as Santa Teresa were no more than a few fishing huts clustered together but with the boom of tourism in the area numerous services are now provided by locals offering the dusty streets a ramshackle charm - a perfect setting for the laid-back surfers and the ever-growing community of young visitors. For those just wishing to hang out then there a numerous beach restaurants and beer shacks where laid back tunes and chilled cerveza set the tone for the after hours entertainment.
Further to the South lies Dominical, probably Costa Rica's most famous surfing grounds. It's slightly less isolated than the Nicoya region offering easy access to the surrounding national parks and also the nation's capital, San José. The area is famed for its "surf camps" where surfing, accommodation food and activities are all included in the package and is a great way for beginners to get into the sport and even for experienced surfers who get the chance for tips from local instructors. The region has begun to develop but by no means to the extent that we are used to in big European resorts, eco-lodges are the typical accommodation here and the focus is on preserving an area of immense natural beauty. Whether surfing Dominical's famous breaks or just chilling on the beach you'll find the area is as close to paradise as you're likely to get in Costa Rica. It's also worth noting that it's not just surfing that's on the activities list on Costa Rica's pacific coast, the whole area is a huge aquatic playground; waters teeming with fish and other life mean great scuba diving and yes, you guessed it, great fishing with many local boats taking tourists out on the hunt for tuna, wahoo, marlin and other big game.
There are even language schools opening to cater for the influx of young travellers (an excellent example of this is http://www.babylon-idiomas.com/ with a great presence in mainland Spain and Latin America) - no longer solely the domain of evening classes in your home country, learning a second language these days is all about cultural immersion. The message is "why not learn Spanish whilst you're learning to surf or dive?" and with much of Central and South America now more open to tourism there's no better time to learn the skills to make yourself understood whilst enjoying the more obvious pursuits open to travellers.
Hawaii Beach Activities Enjoyed By Many
Hawaii is a popular vacation destination. Perhaps, the greatest allure of Hawaii is its beautiful beaches and the many activities that they hold. In fact, each Hawaiian Island has an unlimited number of beaches for vacationers to choose from! If you are in the process of planning a trip to Hawaii, there are a number of benefits to examining popular beach activities before you leave for your trip.
Before focusing on a few of the many Hawaii beach activities that you can enjoy on your next trip, it is first important to focus... on travel arrangements. The greatest component of having the "perfect," Hawaii vacation, is ensuring that all travel arrangements are made and well in advance. Of course, airline reservations and car rental reservations are important, but a good percentage of your focus should be placed on booking a stay at a Hawaii vacation rental. Overnight accommodations have the ability to make or break a vacation.
The reason why your Hawaii vacation rental should be important is because of the options that you have. Hawaii vacation rentals come in a number of different formats, including Hawaii vacation condos, cottages, villas, apartment rentals, and homes. You will also find a number of features, price ranges, as well as locations. The first step is deciding which Hawaiian Island you would like to visit, like Maui. Next, affordability should examined; create a budget for yourself. Finally, quickly examine your intended vacation activities. If you would like to spend your time enjoying many of the fun and popular Hawaii beach activities, a few of which are highlighted below, a beachfront Hawaii vacation rental may be in your best interest.
In terms of Hawaii beach activities that many tourists enjoy, it is important to start with the basics. Two popular Hawaii activities that are enjoyed by individuals of all ages, including those both old and young, are swimming and boating. Many Hawaii beaches have clear, calm waters, which are ideal for young children and inexperienced swimmers. In terms of boating, many are pleased with the options they are presented with. Hawaii boat rentals are available for experienced boaters, private and group charter boats are available for inexperienced boaters, as well as dinner and one day Hawaii cruises.
If adventure is more your style, there are still a number of Hawaii beach activities that may be perfect for you. These activities include surfing, wind surfing, and body boarding. Surfing and windsurfing are Hawaii beach activities mostly reserved for those who have some surfing experience. With that being said, there is never a better time to learn to surf than on a Hawaii vacation. To find affordable surfing lessons, perform a search online. If Hawaii vacation rental reservations, such as those for a Hawaii condo, have already been made, keep location in mind. Doing so can significantly reduce your travel time, giving you more time to learn how to surf!
Snorkeling and scuba diving are two more popular Hawaii beach activities that come highly rated and recommend. These activities are not only adventurous, but educational as well. Many are amazed at all of the sea life they are able to see and learn about while scuba diving or snorkeling. As with surfing and windsurfing, lessons are available for those who are inexperienced divers. For experienced divers, beach rental stations are conveniently located all across Hawaii and near popular Hawaii beach destinations.
As a recap, proper planning and preparation is the key to having a memorable trip to Hawaii. Once the proper travel arrangements have been made, in terms of Hawaii vacation rental reservations, airline reservations, and car rental reservations, Hawaii activities should be examined. With an unlimited number of beach rental companies throughout Hawaii, rental equipment may not require special arrangements; however, lessons may. For that reason, if learning how to surf, windsurf, scuba dive, or snorkel is a must do for you, be sure to do the proper research before you leave for your Hawaii vacation.
Before focusing on a few of the many Hawaii beach activities that you can enjoy on your next trip, it is first important to focus... on travel arrangements. The greatest component of having the "perfect," Hawaii vacation, is ensuring that all travel arrangements are made and well in advance. Of course, airline reservations and car rental reservations are important, but a good percentage of your focus should be placed on booking a stay at a Hawaii vacation rental. Overnight accommodations have the ability to make or break a vacation.
The reason why your Hawaii vacation rental should be important is because of the options that you have. Hawaii vacation rentals come in a number of different formats, including Hawaii vacation condos, cottages, villas, apartment rentals, and homes. You will also find a number of features, price ranges, as well as locations. The first step is deciding which Hawaiian Island you would like to visit, like Maui. Next, affordability should examined; create a budget for yourself. Finally, quickly examine your intended vacation activities. If you would like to spend your time enjoying many of the fun and popular Hawaii beach activities, a few of which are highlighted below, a beachfront Hawaii vacation rental may be in your best interest.
In terms of Hawaii beach activities that many tourists enjoy, it is important to start with the basics. Two popular Hawaii activities that are enjoyed by individuals of all ages, including those both old and young, are swimming and boating. Many Hawaii beaches have clear, calm waters, which are ideal for young children and inexperienced swimmers. In terms of boating, many are pleased with the options they are presented with. Hawaii boat rentals are available for experienced boaters, private and group charter boats are available for inexperienced boaters, as well as dinner and one day Hawaii cruises.
If adventure is more your style, there are still a number of Hawaii beach activities that may be perfect for you. These activities include surfing, wind surfing, and body boarding. Surfing and windsurfing are Hawaii beach activities mostly reserved for those who have some surfing experience. With that being said, there is never a better time to learn to surf than on a Hawaii vacation. To find affordable surfing lessons, perform a search online. If Hawaii vacation rental reservations, such as those for a Hawaii condo, have already been made, keep location in mind. Doing so can significantly reduce your travel time, giving you more time to learn how to surf!
Snorkeling and scuba diving are two more popular Hawaii beach activities that come highly rated and recommend. These activities are not only adventurous, but educational as well. Many are amazed at all of the sea life they are able to see and learn about while scuba diving or snorkeling. As with surfing and windsurfing, lessons are available for those who are inexperienced divers. For experienced divers, beach rental stations are conveniently located all across Hawaii and near popular Hawaii beach destinations.
As a recap, proper planning and preparation is the key to having a memorable trip to Hawaii. Once the proper travel arrangements have been made, in terms of Hawaii vacation rental reservations, airline reservations, and car rental reservations, Hawaii activities should be examined. With an unlimited number of beach rental companies throughout Hawaii, rental equipment may not require special arrangements; however, lessons may. For that reason, if learning how to surf, windsurf, scuba dive, or snorkel is a must do for you, be sure to do the proper research before you leave for your Hawaii vacation.
Friday 1 February 2008
A Cornish Surfer’s Perspective
by Mike Hayes
Surfing to me is about a number of things - most importantly the enjoyment I get from it.
It is the pure love for surfing that drives me to get up on a cold and wet winter’s day at the crack of dawn & has made me the person I am. Surfing gives me the freedom from everyday life. It clears my mind of all worries, fears and problems, a place where I feel close to my childhood - remember having no worries, no issues?
I love the power of the ocean and the rush of pushing my boundaries, taking the largest wave, taking off little bit deeper, and the feeling of complete and utter helplessness as the waves roll and wash me along. It reminds...me of my Dad throwing me in the air, completely weightless and helpless, going back to my childhood.
Nowadays it’s the buzz from making turns which I’ve always wanted to do and becoming as good as the people I’ve looked up to for years. I enjoy the pleasure others get from watching me and I love encouraging others to share my passion. I love surfing as much today as I did 10 years ago. Yes things have changed; nothing will ever stay the same. Like the way others perceive me, I am still the same surfer, I’ll always surf for fun, and it clears my mind, washes the world away and reminds me of my youth.
For me, it’s about having fun and enjoying the moment. The person that’s had the best surf is not necessarily the one who’s had the largest waves, done the best turns. Rather, it’s the surfer with the largest smile on his / her face; it’s the one that’s reliving their childhood, carefree in the moment.
People forget the reasons why they surf, forget what it means.
Surfing is relaxing, challenging spiritual and fun. Many of us are not fortunate to surf for a living and often I see people get frustrated with themselves and with others.
Getting to the standard I have reached is simply from surfing daily, it’s come from surfing and having fun. Catching the wave, waking up at godforsaken hours, surfing when its rubbish, waiting for the all-important wave.
All I have to say is “ Ask yourself why do you surf”, “why did you start”, Are you surfing for those reasons, for the right reasons or have you got lost in trying to be the next world champ.
Have fun, that’s what I say!
Surfing to me is about a number of things - most importantly the enjoyment I get from it.
It is the pure love for surfing that drives me to get up on a cold and wet winter’s day at the crack of dawn & has made me the person I am. Surfing gives me the freedom from everyday life. It clears my mind of all worries, fears and problems, a place where I feel close to my childhood - remember having no worries, no issues?
I love the power of the ocean and the rush of pushing my boundaries, taking the largest wave, taking off little bit deeper, and the feeling of complete and utter helplessness as the waves roll and wash me along. It reminds...me of my Dad throwing me in the air, completely weightless and helpless, going back to my childhood.
Nowadays it’s the buzz from making turns which I’ve always wanted to do and becoming as good as the people I’ve looked up to for years. I enjoy the pleasure others get from watching me and I love encouraging others to share my passion. I love surfing as much today as I did 10 years ago. Yes things have changed; nothing will ever stay the same. Like the way others perceive me, I am still the same surfer, I’ll always surf for fun, and it clears my mind, washes the world away and reminds me of my youth.
For me, it’s about having fun and enjoying the moment. The person that’s had the best surf is not necessarily the one who’s had the largest waves, done the best turns. Rather, it’s the surfer with the largest smile on his / her face; it’s the one that’s reliving their childhood, carefree in the moment.
People forget the reasons why they surf, forget what it means.
Surfing is relaxing, challenging spiritual and fun. Many of us are not fortunate to surf for a living and often I see people get frustrated with themselves and with others.
Getting to the standard I have reached is simply from surfing daily, it’s come from surfing and having fun. Catching the wave, waking up at godforsaken hours, surfing when its rubbish, waiting for the all-important wave.
All I have to say is “ Ask yourself why do you surf”, “why did you start”, Are you surfing for those reasons, for the right reasons or have you got lost in trying to be the next world champ.
Have fun, that’s what I say!
Surfing As A Sport Of Kings
Author: Catherine Harvey | Posted: 29-01-2008
Surf boards and surfing have come a long way since they first gained popularity in the mid 1800's.
Originally the sport of royalty, surfing has actually been around since the 6th Century but in its modern day form it gained status as a lifestyle symbol around the 1860's. It is thought to have originally made its way to Hawaii from the Polynesian Islands around the middle of the 18th Century.
Two Hawaiian princes studying in the US showed their surfing skills to the locals in North America and the sport took off from there. Their surf boards would...have been primitively moulded from solid wood, sanded with granulated coral and stained with bark or charcoal before being finished with glossy nut oil. Problems with original surf boards like this were that they weighed close to 150lbs and acted like sponges once in the water.
Duke Kahanamoku, an Olympic swimmer from Hawaii, demonstrated his skills on a surf board while on a visit to Australia in 1865. This went down a storm with Australian's who have always been famed for their love of the outdoor life, and the style of surf boarding now known to the Western world was born.
The surf board has evolved over the years from the original solid redwood plank, through composite wood, lightweight balsa wood and fibreglass to today's virtually perfect design constructed from polyurethane foam and fibreglass.
Very few changes have been made to the make-up of the board since mass production began in the late 1950's. In the beginning, long boards of up to 16' were popular but not so manoeuvrable. Shorter boards enjoyed a surge, being built around 6' and 8lbs lighter. These were much faster and easier to navigate than the more cumbersome 16 footer.
Minor changes have been made to surf boards over the years but mostly ones that are optional. Some lift has been added to the nose and fins were also added for stability. Although you can now buy surf boards with fixed fins, it is more common place to buy attachable fins. This gives the surfer the option to experiment with where fins are placed depending on the type of wave they are riding.
Surfing has now advanced to a point where different waves and different riding styles call for a different type of board to gain the maximum speed and agility, thus the maximum adrenaline rush. Choices consist of double concave bottom, vee bottom, rounded square tail and swallow tail as well as different lengths.
One of the best inventions that all surfers rave about is the surf board leash. A simple device where the board can be strapped to the surfers ankle but it is one that makes the life of a surfer so much simpler. Before this, he/she would have had to wade into shore to retrieve the board after every wave.
Custom paint jobs on surf boards are big business with some very extreme designs that you can either pay a surf shop to apply for you or, if you are feeling artistic, purchase some spray paints or water based paint pens and get creative yourself. Covered with a protective clear top coat these designs will last a long time but can always be sanded back and re-done if you get bored.
Sex wax is a surfers product, not anything like it sounds! It is a wax that can be applied to the board where you would normally put your feet and hands to prevent slipping. However, some surfers prefer to use deck grip as an alternative. This is a stick on pad that removes the need for constant waxing.
Initially a sport for men, surfing has taken off worldwide and has a large female following. Not just as groupies for the surfer dude's but now as serious competitors themselves. It has also spawned a whole fashion scene for men and women, from wetsuits and beachwear to hats, hoodies and shoes. It has also brought about a sound financial business in hair care, particularly for the women who don't like to constantly have surfers hair.
Surf boards and surfing have come a long way since they first gained popularity in the mid 1800's.
Originally the sport of royalty, surfing has actually been around since the 6th Century but in its modern day form it gained status as a lifestyle symbol around the 1860's. It is thought to have originally made its way to Hawaii from the Polynesian Islands around the middle of the 18th Century.
Two Hawaiian princes studying in the US showed their surfing skills to the locals in North America and the sport took off from there. Their surf boards would...have been primitively moulded from solid wood, sanded with granulated coral and stained with bark or charcoal before being finished with glossy nut oil. Problems with original surf boards like this were that they weighed close to 150lbs and acted like sponges once in the water.
Duke Kahanamoku, an Olympic swimmer from Hawaii, demonstrated his skills on a surf board while on a visit to Australia in 1865. This went down a storm with Australian's who have always been famed for their love of the outdoor life, and the style of surf boarding now known to the Western world was born.
The surf board has evolved over the years from the original solid redwood plank, through composite wood, lightweight balsa wood and fibreglass to today's virtually perfect design constructed from polyurethane foam and fibreglass.
Very few changes have been made to the make-up of the board since mass production began in the late 1950's. In the beginning, long boards of up to 16' were popular but not so manoeuvrable. Shorter boards enjoyed a surge, being built around 6' and 8lbs lighter. These were much faster and easier to navigate than the more cumbersome 16 footer.
Minor changes have been made to surf boards over the years but mostly ones that are optional. Some lift has been added to the nose and fins were also added for stability. Although you can now buy surf boards with fixed fins, it is more common place to buy attachable fins. This gives the surfer the option to experiment with where fins are placed depending on the type of wave they are riding.
Surfing has now advanced to a point where different waves and different riding styles call for a different type of board to gain the maximum speed and agility, thus the maximum adrenaline rush. Choices consist of double concave bottom, vee bottom, rounded square tail and swallow tail as well as different lengths.
One of the best inventions that all surfers rave about is the surf board leash. A simple device where the board can be strapped to the surfers ankle but it is one that makes the life of a surfer so much simpler. Before this, he/she would have had to wade into shore to retrieve the board after every wave.
Custom paint jobs on surf boards are big business with some very extreme designs that you can either pay a surf shop to apply for you or, if you are feeling artistic, purchase some spray paints or water based paint pens and get creative yourself. Covered with a protective clear top coat these designs will last a long time but can always be sanded back and re-done if you get bored.
Sex wax is a surfers product, not anything like it sounds! It is a wax that can be applied to the board where you would normally put your feet and hands to prevent slipping. However, some surfers prefer to use deck grip as an alternative. This is a stick on pad that removes the need for constant waxing.
Initially a sport for men, surfing has taken off worldwide and has a large female following. Not just as groupies for the surfer dude's but now as serious competitors themselves. It has also spawned a whole fashion scene for men and women, from wetsuits and beachwear to hats, hoodies and shoes. It has also brought about a sound financial business in hair care, particularly for the women who don't like to constantly have surfers hair.
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