The complicated history of surfing - Scott Laderman
TED-Ed・4 minutes read
Surfing originated in Hawaii with spiritual and social significance, facing opposition from American Christian missionaries but experiencing a revival led by Hawaiians, George Freeth, Duke Kahanamoku, and Alexander Hume Ford, leading to its global success today.
Insights
- Surfing originated in Polynesia, particularly Hawaii, as a spiritual and social practice with strict rules under kapu, involving offerings, prayers, and gratitude, but faced opposition from American Christian missionaries, impacting its popularity.
- Surfing in Hawaii saw a decline due to European-introduced illnesses, but a revival led by figures like George Freeth, Duke Kahanamoku, and Alexander Hume Ford propelled the sport's global success, with efforts to attract white Americans to Hawaii playing a crucial role in its spread.
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Recent questions
What is the origin of surfing?
Polynesian islands
What types of surfboards were used in Hawaii?
Alaia, paipo, olo
Who promoted surfing to attract Americans to Hawaii?
Alexander Hume Ford
How did American Christian missionaries view surfing?
Sinful
Who were the individuals that led the revival of surfing in Hawaii?
George Freeth, Duke Kahanamoku
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Summary
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History of Surfing in Hawaii and Beyond
- Surfing originated in the Polynesian islands, particularly advancing in the Hawaiian archipelago, where it held spiritual and social significance, governed by a code of rules known as kapu. Hawaiians engaged in surfing as a recreational and competitive activity, with offerings made, prayers for waves, and thanks given after surviving wipeouts.
- Various types of surfboards were used in Hawaii, including alaia boards, paipo boards, and massive olo boards, all finless and requiring surfers to drag their hands or feet to turn. Surfing was described in 1777 by William Anderson, but American Christian missionaries later viewed it as sinful, contributing to its decline.
- Surfing faced threats due to illnesses introduced by Europeans, leading to a decline in the Hawaiian population. Despite this, surfing experienced a revival led by Hawaiians, with individuals like George Freeth and Duke Kahanamoku spreading the sport overseas. Alexander Hume Ford promoted surfing to attract white Americans to Hawaii, contributing to the sport's global success today.
