What started as a niche Polynesian activity slowly grew over centuries until surfing found its modern footing in the 20th century. Here’s a look at the key developments that brought surfing widespread popularity.
Early 20th Century Growth in Hawaii and Southern California (1900s-1920s)
Thinner redwood boards enabled easier riding. Duke Kahanamoku inspired more Americans and attendance at Waikiki Beach grew surfing’s appeal.
Emerging but Still Regional Sport
Based mainly in Hawaii and Southern California beach towns.
Innovations in Board Design (1920s-1930s)
Makers like Tom Blake pioneered lighter balsa boards, eggshell shapes and shortboards making surfing more approachable.
New Equipment Sparked Participation Boom
As waves could finally be caught standing instead of prone.
Post-War Travel and Media Exposure (1940s-1950s)
Soldiers exposed to Waikiki surf helped seeds spread nationally. Magazines and films introduced wider audiences.
Surfer Subculture Took Root Along Coasts
But still fairly insular without commercial backing.
The Blossoming of Beach Culture (1950s)
Rock music, hot rods and surf movies portrayed idealized beach lifestyle mass youth gravitated to.
Surfer Demographic Expanded to Teens
Gaining visible social ingredient coastal towns revolved around.
Growth of Competitive Surfing (1959-1960s)
Contests helped develop surfing talent and drama for new TV audiences. Magazines like Surfer covered thriving scene.
Sport Achieved National Prominence
Through competitive circuit and media deal withABC’s Wide World of Sports.
Gidget and Beach Party Films (1960)
Popular movies captured surf culture’s romance elevating it to mainstream pop phenomenon.
Surfer Archetype Permeated Pop Consciousness
Expanded participation from new demographics.
Commercialization and Boom (1960s-1970s)
| Year | Development |
|---|---|
| 1959 | Bing Surfboards established as first commercial surf shop in La Jolla, CA |
| 1962 | Larry Bertlemann wins first world title from International Professional Surfers events |
| 1977 | Surf Industry Manufacturers Association formed as sport/style’s economic impact clear |
Solidified Surfing as Multi-Billion Dollar Industry
With globally recognized professional sports league status.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the first surf shops open?
Bing Surfboards opened in 1959 but the first waves of surf shops boomed in sunny areas popularised in Beach Party films.
When did popular surf brands start?
Quiksilver launched in 1959 while other pioneers included Hang Ten, OP, and Rip Curl in 1960s-70s as the sport was emerging.
When did the O’Neill wetsuit brand begin?
Jack O’Neill founded his brand in 1952 after realizing heavy canvas suits limited surfing – earlier than most other outfitters.
Conclusion
Through a slow burn of regional growth fueled by innovative pioneers and cultural catalysts over the 1900s, surfing seamlessly infiltrated the 1960s mainstream zeitgeist. Its wholesome lifestyle simultaneously flourished commercially, cementing surfing globally as a revered multi-billion dollar industry and way of life.