Surf Long Board

Surf Long Board

Surfing As A Sport Of Kings

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6th Century but in its modern day form it gained status as a lifestyle symbol around the 1860's. It is thought to have originally made its way to Hawaii from the Polynesian Islands around the middle of the 18th Century.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.

About the Author

Surfing expert Catherine Harvey looks at the way surf boards have changed through the years. To find out more please visit http://www.transsurf.co.uk/

Surf Fanatics Wave Logo Long Sleeve T-Shirt - Ash $23.95 The ocean represents a lot of things to you, freedom, adventure, a shot at glory, but most importantly, it's a place where you can just be yourself on your board. Give a nod of respect to the deep blue sea and the people who try to conquer it with this Wave Logo tee featuring the Surf Fanatics' name and logo. Combined with your sun-bleached hair and tanned skin, this tee will make it obvious to everyone that salt water practically runs through your veins.

Surf Fanatics Wave Logo Long Sleeve T-Shirt - White $23.95 The ocean represents a lot of things to you, freedom, adventure, a shot at glory, but most importantly, it's a place where you can just be yourself on your board. Give a nod of respect to the deep blue sea and the people who try to conquer it with this Wave Logo tee featuring the Surf Fanatics' name and logo. Combined with your sun-bleached hair and tanned skin, this tee will make it obvious to everyone that salt water practically runs through your veins.

Surf Life-Saver Standing with Long-Board on Narrabeen Beach, Sydney, Australia $24.99 Trevor Creighton Surf Life-Saver Standing with Long-Board on Narrabeen Beach, Sydney, Australia - Photographic Print

Shorty Surf $19.9 Adepte de Long Board et de Surf? Ce shorty féminin exprimera votre féminité en même temps que votre passion!

FCS 6'3'' Dayrunner Fun Board Alloy & Alloy Bag $70 The Dayrunner fun board bag from FCS is the perfect way to keep your board protected when not in use. Featuring high-density closed cell foam padding, an air vent and durable long-life zipper with padded rail protection, this lightweight bag will be your must-have surfing accessory.

Surf Board Rider $39.99 Surf Board Rider - Giclee Print

O'Neill Cheshire Long Sleeve Button-Up Shirt - Blue $59.5 Your idea of a wake up call is when your phone alarm goes off at 5:30 in the morning for a dawn patrol session. Your favorite board meetings are the ones that take place sitting with your buddies in between sets. You wax your surfboard -- not your eyebrows! But let's face it broski, there are occasions when you need to clean up your look. With that being said, you don't want to conform to some clothing recommended by a men's magazine. This is why O'Neill designed the Cheshire long sleeve button-up shirt. Its clean styling gives you that professional look, but since it's O'Neill, you know you're still staying true to your surf culture.

Rusty Wired Series Humpstead Plaid Long Sleeve Hooded Shirt - Blue $79.5 You are revered for the way you can ride a wave. They might never admit it, but some of your bros kind of consider you as their hero. Next time the tides are high, grab your board, your mp3 player and toss on this Humpstead shirt from Rusty and take them out for a showcase of your mad surf skills. This warm hooded button up shirt features a jersey hood, chest front pocket and woven brand clips tags. Oh wait – there’s more! It features built-in machine washable drawstring ear buds that are compatible with most music devices, so you can rock out to your favorite song while watching your crew try to replicate the way you rip the waves! Hey, every great hero has to have theme music.

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O'Neill Skins Day Away Juniors Long Sleeve Rashguard - White/Hot Coral $41.95 Keep your bod protected, girl — you only have one! Luckily, O’Neill has designed this Skins Day Away rashguard or else you might find yourself gettin’ pretty beat up after a surf sesh. This super-lightweight long sleeve guard features a quick-dry, 4-way stretch material that also contains a U.P.F. of 50+, providing you with ultimate protection against the elements, your board and sun fatigue. Plus, it’s got custom branding printed across the chest and matching bright stripe designs along the sides, so you’re destined to look pretty fly, too. Nothing says "I've got it covered" like this top, no way.

Man Riding Surf Board $24.99 Dennis Hallinan Man Riding Surf Board - Photographic Print

Man with Surf Board on Beach, Carpinteria $14.99 Man with Surf Board on Beach, Carpinteria - Premium Poster

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Quiksilver Southbound Long Sleeve T-Shirt - White $25 Ah, the Southern U.S. — home to fried chicken, iced tea, southern draaaaaaaaawls, “y’all” and some of the best beaches in the country. Drop your responsibilities, grab your board and head Southbound with this Quiksilver tee. This comfy tee — with slightly distressed Quiksilver branding on the front and left sleeve — will keep you in good shape as you sample the finest beaches and various fried foods so prevalent in the South.

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Rip Curl Golden State Juniors Long Sleeve Top - Orange $49.5 You see a gnarly wave coming up – you start paddling with everything you have, hop up on the board, and you’re off. Surfing isn’t just a hobby to you, it’s a lifestyle. When you come down from your surfing high, slip on this lightweight Golden State long sleeve top from Rip Curl. It features woven geometric graphics, a button down back, button down front with pleated details, and adjustable sleeves to give you that radical, beachside look to fit your laidback lifestyle.

Ezekiel Wyatt Long Sleeve Henley Shirt - Heather Gray $50 Though you should have several broken bones listed in your medical history, you've never been injured while battling the seas or the streets on your board. There's some odd mystique about you that's puzzling and fascinating, and that means that where you lead, people follow. You're in charge without even meaning to be, but just keep doing what you do in the Wyatt long sleeve Henley from Ezekiel. It features horizontal yarn dyed stripes, a placket with contrast buttons and a pocket at the left chest with a button closure. You're a hard man to understand, but your style is undeniably clear.

Quiksilver Toddler All Time Long Sleeve Rashguard - Red $24.95 Your friends may not believe you, but your toddler is already reaching for your board. Go on and reward him with this rashguard by Quiksilver. This super-stretchy guard’s got screen print branding on the center chest and diagonally across the left sleeve for style that’ll put any other little surfer to shame. It also offers a UPF of 50+ that provides maximum protection from UV rays that can harm his skin. That’s right, now he can show the ocean who’s boss.

Huntington Surf Board Rug $65 Huntington Surf Board Rug is available from bedbathstore.com for only $44.99. Shop bedbathstore for the best price and quality with Free Shipping.

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Newport Surf Board Rug $65 Newport Surf Board Rug is available from bedbathstore.com for only $44.99. Shop bedbathstore for the best price and quality with Free Shipping.

Vintage Daytona Beach Surf Shirt Long Board Surf White T-Shirt by CafePress $25 Cubco, Inc Surf White T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt The white t-shirt is a timeless classic for a reason; it should be a staple in every wardrobe. It is clean, simple, and durable. The best part is you can wear it with anything. This 100% cotton T-shirt is so comfortable you'll want to wear it to bed.

Billabong A Beach Soul Juniors T-Shirt - White $19.5 Some chicks hate finding sand in their cars and shoes after a long day at the shore. Not you — those are the treasures you live to find. Bask in the glory of salty, sun-kissed skin and tangled wet locks with Billabong’s A Beach Soul tee. This comfy cotton and polyester blend top reads, “Surf. Soul. Sand.” down the front in a peachy pink print, letting every fellow surfer and beach-goer know just how serious you are about the vibrant blue waves on your board and the blazing sun’s rays on your face.

Hurley One & Only Surf Rashguard - Black $29.5 Protection should be your top priority when you grab your board and head to the shore. Give your upper half the care it deserves with Hurley’s One & Only surf shirt. This snug rashguard offers a UPF of 40+, defending your sensitive skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Its mega-stretchy, super-lightweight material allows for maximum flexibility on the waves, so you can bust out your greatest moves in ultimate comfort and security. Safety first, dude.

Surf Fanatics Wave Logo T-Shirt - White $17.95 The ocean represents a lot of things to you, freedom, adventure, a shot at glory, but most importantly, it's a place where you can just be yourself on your board. Give a nod of respect to the deep blue sea and the people who try to conquer it with this Wave Logo tee featuring the Surf Fanatics' name and logo. Combined with your sun-bleached hair and tanned skin, this tee will make it obvious to everyone that salt water practically runs through your veins.

Hurley One & Only Surf Rashguard - Red $29.5 Protection should be your top priority when you grab your board and head to the shore. Give your upper half the care it deserves with Hurley’s One & Only surf shirt. This snug rashguard offers a UPF of 40+, defending your sensitive skin from the sun’s harmful rays. It’s mega-stretchy, super-lightweight material allows for maximum flexibility on the waves, so you can bust out your greatest moves in ultimate comfort and security. Safety first, dude.

Surf Fanatics Wave Logo T-Shirt - Ash $17.95 The ocean represents a lot of things to you, freedom, adventure, a shot at glory, but most importantly, it's a place where you can just be yourself on your board. Give a nod of respect to the deep blue sea and the people who try to conquer it with this Wave Logo tee featuring the Surf Fanatics' name and logo. Combined with your sun-bleached hair and tanned skin, this tee will make it obvious to everyone that salt water practically runs through your veins.

Billabong Body Surf Tank Top - Wheat Heather $29.5 Laughter isn’t the best medicine; surfing is. However, it’s totally possible to combine the two. Andy Davis’ quirky design printed on the front of this Billabong Body Surf tank depicts a lax surfer dude ridin’ a bubbly wave on top of a blonde hottie above bright lettering. Who needs a board when you’ve got a babe, right?

Hurley One & Only Surf Rashguard - White $29.5 Protection should be your top priority when you grab your board and head to the shore. Give your upper half the care it deserves with Hurley’s One & Only surf shirt. This snug rashguard offers a UPF of 40+, defending your sensitive skin from the sun’s harmful rays. It’s mega-stretchy, super-lightweight material allows for maximum flexibility on the waves, so you can bust out your greatest moves in ultimate comfort and security. Safety first, dude.

Surf Fun Light Set $9.99 Includes (10) plastic 3" - 4" lights in flowered shirts and surf board shapes. Light Set measures approximately 8' long. UL Listed Power Cord. Has end to end plug to attach more light strands. Can be used indoors or out. Includes extra bulbs and fuses. Lights burn steady.

Quiksilver Cover Up Toddler Hooded Rashguard - White $32.95 You started learning how to surf the moment your feet first grazed the beach’s silky sand. Don’t hold back your little guy from enjoying the crash and burns of the waves; get him suited up in something that’ll keep his little bod protected from the sun and his board. This long sleeve Cover Up rashguard from Quiksilver features premium branding printed on the chest and a lightweight, stretchy polyester and spandex blend material. It also offers a UPF of 50+, ensuring the ultimate defense against the sun’s powerful UV rays. Next time your little dude complains about the smell and stickiness from the sunscreen you’ve lathered all over him, throw this rashguard over his head — he’ll be eternally grateful.

Surf Fanatics Wave Logo Tri-Blend T-Shirt - Ash $23.95 The ocean represents a lot of things to you, freedom, adventure, a shot at glory, but most importantly, it's a place where you can just be yourself on your board. Give a nod of respect to the deep blue sea and the people who try to conquer it with this Wave Logo tee featuring the Surf Fanatics' name and logo. Combined with your sun-bleached hair and tanned skin, this tee will make it obvious to everyone that salt water practically runs through your veins.

Billabong Body Surf Tank Top - Dark Teal Heather $29.5 Laughter isn’t the best medicine; surfing is. However, it’s totally possible to combine the two. Andy Davis’ quirky design printed on the front of this Billabong Body Surf tank depicts a lax surfer dude ridin’ a bubbly wave on top of a blonde hottie above bright lettering. Who needs a board when you’ve got a babe, right?

Roxy Surf's Up Juniors 4-Way Boardshort - Sundance Yellow $42 Rise with the sun and hit your fave beach spot in fab summery style with the Surf's Up boardshorts from Roxy. They feature engineered stripes, a fold-over waistband and 4-way stretch construction for the perfect fit, look and feel all summer long.

Roxy Surf Journey Juniors Rashguard - Black $42 You’ve come a long way since you first started surfing – even those lame guys who used to give you crap are now left in the dust! There’s nothing that can match the exhilarating feeling that washes over you as you catch a nice wave; and it doesn’t hurt when you see those same guys staring with their mouths open. You’re great at what you do – it’s as simple as that. Throw on this Surf Journey rashguard by Roxy the next time you hit the waves to give ‘em something to look at. Featuring “Roxy” screen printed across the front, ruching along the sides at the bottom, and a UPF protection of 50+, this comfy rashguard will draw all eyes on you as you conquer another gnarly wave.

Rusty Duece 4-Way Stretch Boardshort - Blue $52 There comes a time in every young surfer’s life when he must journey away from home and begin his search for his “ultimate wave.” With nothing more than his surfboard, the clothes on his back and Rusty’s Duece boardshorts along for the ride, our young hero travels far and wide, overcomes the obstacles in his path and returns home triumphant after experiences new vistas, people and killer surf. Maybe your own story only involves riding some sweet water on the perfect day at your local hangout. At any rate, these boardshorts’ 4-way stretch fabric free your mobility while on your board, while its engineer printed “sloppy chic” panel pattern enhance your style with its devil-may-care attitude. Even if all you do is hit the beach looking for a good time, as long as you put your heart into it, you’re golden.