When I talked to Matt Warshaw, the author of Encyclopedia of Surfing and History of Surfing (episode coming soon!), he mentioned that there were no girls in the lineup when
Surf thru history
8Articles
No fins, no problem? Not quite. This episode dives into the surprisingly recent invention of the surfboard fin, Tom Blakeâs role in revolutionizing board design, and why modern surfing wouldnât be the same without a little skeg magic.
Did surfing really begin in Peru, not Hawaii? Dive into the wild story of ancient reed surfcrafts, Felipe Pomarâs campaign for Peruâs surf legacy, and the Kon-Tiki theory. A fun ride through lesser-known surfing historyâeven if Reddit doesn't care.
Discover the fascinating history of the paipoâan ancient Hawaiian surf craft that predates modern surfboards and inspired the boogie board. From royal roots and spy missions to its quiet revival in the UK and California, this blog dives deep into why the paipo never really left us.
Confused about surf wax? Learn how to choose the right wax for your board, when to apply it, and what beginners often get wrong. Your ultimate guide to sticky success.
Did you know Agatha Christie was one of the first British women to surf? From âsurf bathing with planksâ in South Africa to paddling out in Waikiki, this 1922 travel tale is full of surprisesâincluding near-naked wipeouts and surfboard sticker shock.
Discover how Christian missionaries in 19th-century Hawaiâi nearly wiped out surfingâonce a sacred and central part of Hawaiian culture. Learn how surfing survived and why reclaiming its roots matters.
Meet the Oloâthe massive, finless surfboard of Hawaiian royalty. Carved from wiliwili wood, blessed with sacred rituals, and sometimes requiring a human sacrifice (not for surfing, donât worry), this board is a time capsule of ancient surfing. Imagine hauling a 200-pound tree trunk to the lineupâno carrying straps! Before foamies, fiberglass, or even fins, the Olo ruled the waves. Hereâs how it shaped the history of surfing.
