Ancient Origins
The group of islands in the Pacific Ocean where surfing originated.
What is Polynesia or Hawai'i?
The three most common tree or wood types found to make ancient boards.
What is Koa, Breadfruit, and Wiliwili wood?
The area of the mainland where surfing became popular in the 1960's.
What is California?
A multi-million dollar industry with tens of millions of supporters worldwide, a dense history, and an important culture.
What is surfing?
The name or term that native Hawaiians used for surfing.
What is wave-sliding (he'e nalu)?
The longest board documented, commonly used by Hawaiian chiefs.
What is the olo?
The century when native Hawaiians began travelling the world and sharing their love of the sport.
What is the 19th century?
The way in which surfing was shared with those outside of Hawai'i.
What are surfing lessons and demonstrations?
The board most similar to one found in the sport today, and one of the earliest recorded.
What is the alaia?
The group of non-natives who looked down on and discouraged surfing.
Who were the American Christian Missionaries?
The added piece of boards to help steering that weren't common on ancient boards
What are fins?
The spiritual, cultural, and social importance: Connecting people to the ocean, reflecting status, and providing a communal identity.
Why is surfing bigger than just a sport?
An expert priest who helps natives pray for big waves, and gives thanks after extreme wipeouts.
What is a kahuna?
The native Hawaiian credited with the popularization of surfing globally, and who is also quoted at the beginning of the video.
Who is Duke Kahanamoku?
A Hawaiian settler who promoted surfing to white Americans in order to attract them to the Hawaiian islands as residents.
Who is Alexander Hume Ford?