Surf Boards
Thursday, February 18th, 2010Surf Boards
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6th Century but in its modern day form it gained status as a lifestyle symbol around the 1860's. It is thought to have originally made its way to Hawaii from the Polynesian Islands around the middle of the 18th Century.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/
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 Surfboard NEW 72 Mini Mal Minimal surf poxy Fins  US $207.28
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 Surfboard NEW 92 LONGBOARD surf epoxy Fins US $246.00
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 GORDON SMITH SURF SURFER SURFBOARD WOODY L S SHIRT US $22.95
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 ERIE Surfboard 68 Brand New US $399.00
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 FCS FINS G AM MINT BLACK SURFING SURFBOARD US $6.00
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 Rick surfboards surfing surfer vintage sticker decal US $6.00
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 Bill Holden surfboards surfing sticker surfer decal US $6.00
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 Dewey Weber surfboards surfing sticker surfer decal US $6.00
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 Lincoln city surf shop long sleeve tee surfboard oregon US $27.00
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 Unusual HAWAIIAN ISLAND SURFIN ASS XXL T Shirt NWOT US $3.99
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 RARE Vintage Kneeboard surfboard George Greenough surf US $350.00
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 10 Pk Sex Wax Sexwax Surfboard wax Quick Humps Cool H2O US $16.99
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 Bing surfboards surfing surfer vintage sticker decal US $6.00
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 Vintage 7 Foot Surfboard by INDIAN SUMMER Nice Zebra US $199.99
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 Vintage 976 surf surfing surfboard sticker decal surfer US $5.00
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 Greg Noll Jed surfing surfboard longboard tee shirt US $24.00
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 86 Classic Longboard Surfboard Exc Condition Used US $450.00
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 Nuuhiwa Dyno surfboard vintage sticker decal surfing US $6.00
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 Vintage Greg Noll surfboard movie poster surf search 4 US $23.00
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 SURFBOARD DISPLAY RACKS Surf racks surfboard racks US $34.95
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 Hawaii sticker Surfing sticker decal Local Motion decal US $.99
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 10ft Dewey Weber Surfboard US $600.00
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 Surfboard longboard rack black holds 5 wall mount US $42.00
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 MAKAHA SEMI GUN VINTAGE LONGBOARDSURFBOARDSURF BOARD US $1,800.00
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 SURFBOARD wall mount display hanger rack BLK LOST US $15.48
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 BRYNING SPEARS CHANNEL BOTTOM SURFBOARD US $299.00
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 ORIGINAL SURFER SAILOR BRACELET SIZE SMALL ROPE US $3.99
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 skurfer surf board US $50.00
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 OLD GUYS RULE STYLE WAGON NOMAD BEACH SURFBOARD S S US $19.95
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 Shark Tooth Teeth Bite Waring Sign Tin Surfboard Decor US $9.99
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 Sock Monkey Surfer Girl Beach Surfboard Surf Art Print US $9.00
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 66 Kies Fish Surfboard Used Surfboard Super Clean US $99.00
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 Surf Board Lighthouse Woody Beach Scene Tin Sign 1277 US $7.18
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 66 SURFBOARD USED SURFBOARD ENCINITAS SURFBOARDS US $99.00
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 DAKINESURF BOARD BACK PACK SURFING WATER SPORTS US $75.99
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 Chinook Surf Body Board Car Rack Holders Wraps US $12.00
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 61 Chile Surfboard US $300.00
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 NEW YELLOW 510 FOAMIE SURFING BOARD SURFBOARD SURF US $72.95
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 NEW BLUE 510 FOAMIE SURFING BOARD SURFBOARD SURF US $72.95
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 Phil Edwards Surfing 1967 Saturday Evening Post Color US $7.50
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 64 Shortboard Surfboard Nice Condition Bat tail design US $225.00
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 1964 WORLD SURFING Surfboard TITLES Manly Beach PATCH US $9.99
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 Surfboard NEW 80 Mini Mal Minimal surf poxy Fins US $301.57
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 Surfboard NEW 76 Mini Mal Minimal surf poxy Fins US $193.61
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 Surfboard NEW 70 Mini Mal Minimal surf poxy Fins US $136.67
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 Minimal 76 surfboard Softboard Schoolboard fins US $46.47
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 IRON MAN DROPPING IN SURF SURFER SURFBOARD BEACH DECOR US $5.95
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 VINTAGE SURFBOARD STAND UP PADDLEBOARD US $1,200.00
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 1966 Gordon and Smith Kingpin Surfboard RARE US $300.00
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 3 Surf Surfing Surfer Poker NO WHINING Decal US $2.95
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 ISLE BRAND SURF BOARD COVER US $20.00
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 87 MOREY BOOGIE BODYBOARD MACH 20 RS SKEGS BODY BOARD US $79.00
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 Hawaiian longboard wall hanging OLD GUYS RULE US $59.99
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 16 Inch SURF BOARD wall home room decor beach house HOT US $14.95
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 SURFBOARD KAYAK SPORTS SUMMER BEACH LPU ONLY LQQK US $75.00
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 SURF PATROL Metal SIGN Vintage style Beach Board TIN US $9.99
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 FutureSurf surfing Ofishl side fins surfboard US $20.00
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 Surf surfing Surfboard 6Balin comp leash US $18.50
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 SURF BOARD FCS TOMM CARROLL TRIPLE FINS BRAND NEW US $.99
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 NEW CHILI SURFBOARD 62 US $285.00
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New 6' Foamie Board Surfboard Surfing Surf Board Perfect for beginners List Price: $94.95 Sale Price: $94.95 Average Rating:   |
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You are viewing a Brand New 2009 Release 6' Surfboard. We just purchased over 200 of these boards directly from the manufacture. This board is guaranteed to be of the highest quality or your money back no questions asked... |
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Blue Foam Surf Board, pefect for beginers List Price: $99.99 Sale Price: $72.95 |
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These Foamie Surfboards are leading the way in soft surfboard construction. Its unique sandwiched construction offers great strength and flotation for speed and drive. Perfect for beginners and experts alike, this model can give you the power under your feet to help you with the big moves... |
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New 6' Foamie Board Surfboard Surfing Surf Board Perfect for beginners List Price: $94.95 Sale Price: $94.95 Average Rating:  |
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You are viewing a Brand New 2009 Release 6' Surfboard. We just purchased over 200 of these boards directly from the manufacture. This board is guaranteed to be of the highest quality or your money back no questions asked... |
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New 48" Fiberglass Skimboard Skim Board Surf Ocean Body Board List Price: $64.99 Sale Price: $64.99 |
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You are viewing a Brand New 2009 Release 48" Fiberglass Skim board. We just purchased over 200 of these boards directly from the manufacture. Buy from us and save big! Over 50% off retail. Fiberglass with foam core skim board High Quality Skim board Professionally handcrafted Nose and tail rocker for maximum speed and spin tricks Contoured shape for increased maneuverability Dimensions: 48" Length X 20" Width Suggested weight limit is 160lbs Brand New in Retail Packaging Retails for $199... |
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Thule 554XT Hang Two Rooftop Surfboard Carrier List Price: $69.95 Sale Price: $62.95 Used From: $50.99 Average Rating:  |
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The Thule 554XT Hang Two Rooftop Surfboard Carrier is an upgraded version of the popular Hang Two carrier, with factory rack compatibility, and improved board protection. The 554XT can simultaneously carry up to two surfboards right out of the box, no longer requiring the Thule 504 Surf Strap to transport the second board like the old Hang Two units... |
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Billabong Board Shorts BoardShorts Surf Sz (31) List Price: $50.00 Sale Price: $41.99 |
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Brand: BillabongColor: MultiSize: 31Materal: PolyesterCare: Machine washMade in: ImportedInseam: 10.5Outseam: 21 |
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Portable Surf Board Carrier / Trailer by Mule List Price: $120.00 Sale Price: $93.50 Average Rating:  |
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The mule surfboard bike rack is a light weight, wheeled, portable Surfboard Carrier that gets you to the beach on time. Walk your surfboard, or tow it behind your bike. Use the Mule STS to turn your surfboard into a handy trailer to easily carry your cooler, beach towels, and all your supplies to your favorite surfing spot... |
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Billabong Board Shorts BoardShorts Surf Sz (31) List Price: $54.50 Sale Price: $38.38 |
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Brand: BillabongColor: BlackSize: 31Materal: PolyesterCare: Machine washMade in: ImportedInseam: 11Outseam: 21, |
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New 48" Fiberglass Skimboard Skim Board Surf Ocean Body Board List Price: $64.99 Sale Price: $64.99 |
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You are viewing a Brand New 2009 Release 48" Fiberglass Skim board. We just purchased over 200 of these boards directly from the manufacture. Buy from us and save big! Over 50% off retail. Fiberglass with foam core skim board High Quality Skim board Professionally handcrafted Nose and tail rocker for maximum speed and spin tricks Contoured shape for increased maneuverability Dimensions: 48" Length X 20" Width Suggested weight limit is 160lbs Brand New in Retail Packaging Retails for $199... |