Surfing in the United States

Surfing in the United States is one of the most popular pastimes in the country.^{[1][2][3][4][5]} California and Hawaii are the most popular locations for surfing.^[6]

There are professional surfing leagues such as the World Surf League in the United States. These leagues make it possible for surfers all over the world to become recognized in America for their talent. One of the most famous surfers is Kelly Slater.^[7][8] Kelly Slater has eleven different ASP surfing competitions, making him one of the best in the world.^[9]

History of Surfing in the United States

The earliest recorded instances of surfing took place in Hawaii in 17th Century. These instances are correlated to the Hawaiian tradition of "he'e nalu", which means "wave-sliding".^[10]

Surfing Culture in the United States

Surfing is very much a part of Californian and Hawaiian culture. Surfing is a very influential part of life for citizens of these areas.

Major Competitions in USA^[11]

1) Southeast Regional Surfing Championships Mid April Smyrna Beach, Florida

2) East Coast Surfing Championships Late August Oceanfront – Virginia Beach, Virginia

3) US Open of Surfing Early September Huntington Beach, California

4) Vans Triple Crown of Surfing Mid November to mid December North Shore – Oahu, Hawaii

5) ASP World Tour – Pipeline Masters Early December North Shore – Oahu, Hawaii

6) Quiksilver Eddie Aikau Memorial Beginning December to end February Waimea Bay, North Shore – Oahu, Hawaii

7) Mavericks Big Wave Surf Competition December to March Half Moon Bay, California

Big Wave Surfing

Big wave surfing originated in the 1990s, when surfers began to make use of water vehicles like jet ski’s and speed boats, in order to tow them into waves that they were too large and fast to catch.^[12]

References

1. "Culture | Surf News". www.surfing-news.com. Retrieved 2015-10-19.
2. "Culture | Surf News". www.surfing-news.com. Retrieved 2015-10-19.
3. "The Surfing Yearbook - Bruce Boal, Surfersvillage - Google Books". Books.google.co.uk. Retrieved 2015-09-19.
4. "The History of Surfing - Matt Warshaw - Google Books". Books.google.co.uk. 2011-04-29. Retrieved 2015-09-19.
5. "Hunting Beach History" (PDF). Retrieved 2015-01-16.
6. "America's Best Urban Surfing Spots". Forbes. Retrieved 2015-01-16.
7. "Surfing: An Illustrated History of the Coolest Sport of All Time - Ben Marcus, Steve Pezman". Books.google.co.uk. 1946-07-01. Retrieved 2015-10-03.
8. "Surfing USA! - Jeff Divine, Ben Marcus". Books.google.co.uk. 1946-07-01. p. 14. Retrieved 2015-10-03.
9. "Pro Surfer: Kelly Slater". World Surf League. Retrieved 2015-10-23.
10. "History of Surfing | Club Of The Waves". www.clubofthewaves.com. Retrieved 2015-10-23.
11. "Top 10 Surfing Events in the USA". www.topeventsusa.com. Retrieved 2015-10-19.
12. "Culture | Surf News". www.surfing-news.com. Retrieved 2015-10-19.