What is the history of surfing?

Did you know that long before surfers were riding waves as tall as an eight-story building, surfing was a sacred royal tradition? Grab your swimsuit and get ready to catch a wave, because we are diving into the incredible history of surfing! Thousands of years ago in ancient Polynesia and Hawaii, surfing was known as "he'e nalu," or wave sliding. Kings and queens were the ultimate wave riders, standing on massive 24-foot-long wooden boards that weighed up to 200 pounds! They even used real shark skin as sandpaper to make them smooth! But did you know this amazing tradition was almost lost forever? When outside explorers and strict missionaries arrived in Hawaii, surfing nearly disappeared completely. Thankfully, one incredible Olympic swimmer named Duke Kahanamoku brought it back to life! Known as the Father of Modern Surfing, Duke traveled the world carving his own giant wooden boards and showing amazed crowds how to dance on the ocean. From ancient royal logs to modern daredevils surviving 86-foot waves, discover how surfing became the ultimate extreme water sport!