Surfing is bigger than ever. Though an ancient Polynesian pastime imbibed with spirituality and cultural significance, it only began to emerge in global popularity during the late 1950s and early 60s. At this time, the modern surfing era began in its ancestral home of Hawaii, California, and Australia. Since then, surfing has gone through a few booms and even some lulls, but in terms of mainstream appeal and global spread, it is now experiencing unprecedented growth.
The concept of an ‘endless summer’ symbolizes surfers’ travels and quests for perfect waves, suggesting that the pursuit of surfing can lead to rich experiences and lasting memories that transcend time and place.
From Hawaii to Bali, Portugal to Russia, South Africa, Brazil, California, and Morocco, there are dedicated surfers, hobbyists, professionals, and casual admirers of surf culture.
Today, we ask the burning question: Why is surfing popular?
After much thought and a fair bit of research, we’ve come up with 25 reasons as to why surfing is so popular. Here they are in no particular order:
1. It feels like walking on water
What other sport lets you glide across the water without any additional tools except the board under your feet? Surfers can feel like they are flying, skating, swimming, and walking on water all in one good session.24.
2. Surfing is addicting
Call it an obsession, a compulsion, or just a healthy quest. The search for the perfect wave may always be just out of reach, but only a surfer knows the feeling of the unique joy and connection that comes from riding waves—the closer you get, the more fun you have!
3. It looks cool
This one may be a bit narcissistic, but if you also love watching other people surf, count yourself as a great appreciator of the art. Whoever you are — surfers and non-surfers alike — you have to admit that surfing looks seriously cool.
4. Surfing gives you a great reason to travel the world
It’s no longer just Hawaii, California, and Australia with active surf cultures. Anywhere there are decent waves, there’s bound to be some surf scene, which is becoming more so every day. Pick a coast, grab your board, and follow your dreams!
5. It provides an adrenaline kick
Like all active sports and nature-based activities, surfing gets those endorphins going. Still, few pursuits can match the adrenaline kick of catching a great wave.
6. It feels incredible to be out in nature, especially in the ocean
Being out in nature can be a healing experience, and this is never truer than when you’re out on the ocean. Feeling depressed? Hit the waves!
7. Surfing is challenging
Nobody said surfing was easy. Virtually anyone can start surfing mild beach breaks with a bit of instruction. After your first few surfing lessons, you’ll be ready for your next challenge — and they keep coming!
8. It makes you feel alive
Getting out on the waves is as close as becoming one with Mother Nature. Surfing is exhilarating and healthy and helps to instill an appreciation for life and the natural world.
9. Surfing is excellent exercise
Looking for a fun way to get fit and enjoy numerous benefits? Look no further than surfing! It works for all the major muscle groups and gets you active like no other hobby.
How many calories does surfing burn?
10. Surfing takes you to some of the most beautiful places in the world
Find skiing too cold? Think hiking is too isolating? You can’t get much better scenery as nature sports go than a beautiful tropical beach or ocean vista. Surfing in a scenic holiday spot delivers excellent weather, a fun and social experience, plus incomparable views.
11. You can surf in the best weather
Similarly, many of the world’s top surf spots are located where the best weather is. Though surfing is possible year-round and in many climates, it started in Hawaii and other Polynesian islands, so it’s ideally suited for warm, comfortable weather.
12. Surfing provides adventure
From the thrill of catching a wave to traveling the world and the challenge of finding “secret” surf spots, many aspects of the surfing lifestyle involve adventure.
13. People think surfers are attractive
This may be a particularly shallow reason, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t true. Surfing is a healthy activity that helps get you fit, shows skill, and looks cool. Strangely enough, many people find these things attractive.
14. It’s an environmentally friendly sport
Surfers tend to care about the state of the oceans because they enjoy being in them and would rather not swim and surf in polluted waters. Surfing also gives you an awareness and appreciation of the natural world. All you need is a surfboard — and if you opt for one made from sustainable materials, you’re surfing ultra-green.
15. Big wave surfing
While it’s certainly not the kind of surfing that can be practiced by the masses, big-wave surfing has made a serious impact. The sheer spectacle daredevil big wave surfers like Garrett McNamara create regularly puts surfing on the front pages of many mainstream news sources.
16. The surfer community
Surfing is more than just a sport; it’s a community sport. Surfers share a common love and lifestyle, bringing people together from different cultures, classes, nationalities, and walks of life. This sense of belonging is a powerful feeling that enriches the surfing experience.
17. The surfing lifestyle is cool
It’s not just the activity of surfing that is cool. The clothes, the music, the slang, and the surfing culture have spread worldwide and are popular with surfers and non-surfers alike.
18. Famous people who surf
From Agatha Christie to Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, celebrities have helped bring surf culture to the masses. Even President Barack Obama and Prince William knew their way around a surfboard.
19. Surfing is daring
Depending on your skill level and what kind of waves you like to ride, surfing can provide some serious thrills — if you dare. There aren’t many sports that can provide the type of excitement you experience rocketing through a perfect tube.
20. You get to experience nature — firsthand!
Besides the beach, the sea, the sun, and the sand, surfers sometimes interact with amazing animals, including dolphins, sea lions, and even whales!
21. Kelly Slater
Probably the best surfer ever, this 11-time ASP World Champion still rips at 43. Both the youngest and oldest person to ever become champ, Slater’s blend of skill, athletic prowess, charm, and good looks makes him the perfect surfing personality to help the sport grow. He’s also acted and appeared in several films and television shows (including a recurring role on Baywatch) and produced surf documentaries.
22. Surfing has ancient connections.
The origins of surfing reach back to Polynesia several hundred years ago, before these cultures’ contact with Europeans. For Ancient Hawaiians, it was a spiritual art form. Whether they know it or not, each surfer is connected to this hallowed tradition.
23. Surfing has become a serious sport.
Since the 1960s, surfing has continued to grow as a sport, both professionally and in terms of amateur popularity. Pro surfers are now regarded as elite athletes with serious skills.
24. Technology
Advances in surfing tech have improved things like surfing equipment and swell monitoring, allowing surfers to reach and ride waves like never before.
25. Surfing is big business
Once a lot of money can be made from something, corporate interests will exploit it. Besides the many independent companies, surf camps, and schools, large corporations sell equipment, promote competitions, and endorse professional surfers.
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26. Overcoming fears and building resilience
Surfing is not just a sport; it’s a journey of self-discovery and growth. You’ll encounter challenges that test your courage and resilience as you ride waves. Overcoming fears and building resilience is an essential part of the surfing lifestyle. By facing your fears and pushing through them, you’ll develop a stronger sense of self-confidence and self-awareness.
Surfing teaches you to be present in the moment, to focus on the wave, and to let go of distractions. This mindset can be applied to everyday life, helping you to overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.
27. Discovering new breaks and experiencing different environments
One of the most exciting aspects of surfing is discovering new breaks and experiencing different environments. From the warm waters of Bali to the rugged coastlines of California, each surf spot offers a unique experience. Surfing takes you to some of the most beautiful places in the world, where you can immerse yourself in nature and connect with the local culture. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just starting out, exploring new surf spots is a great way to challenge yourself and expand your horizons.
28. A sport for everyone
Surfing is often perceived as a sport for the young and adventurous, but it’s for everyone. Regardless of age, fitness level, or background, surfing is accessible to anyone willing to try it. Surf camps and schools offer lessons and guidance for beginners, while experienced surfers can always find new challenges and opportunities to improve. Surfing is a sport that promotes inclusivity and diversity, welcoming people from all walks of life to join the surf culture.
29. Why surfing is a way of life
Surfing is more than just a sport or a hobby – it’s a way of life. The surfing lifestyle is built around a deep connection with nature, a passion for adventure, and a commitment to personal growth. Surfing culture is a vibrant and diverse community that values creativity, sustainability, and mutual respect.
When you love surfing, you’re not just riding waves – you’re embracing a way of life centered around freedom, joy, and a sense of belonging. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just starting out, surfing can transform your life and inspire you to live in harmony with the natural environment.
Eager to learn more? Check out 15 interesting facts about surfing!
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