Read the article about surfing, and then answer the following questions.
Surfing
Brief history of surfing
When we think of surfing, we think of the sunny beaches of California. However, it is widely believed that surfing originated in Hawaii, hundreds of years ago. The first surfboards were enormous. They were made of solid wood, were around four metres long and weighed almost 70 kilograms. It was not until
the sport began to take off and become more widespread in the early 20th century that boards became lighter. Then in the late 1960s, these lighter boards became shorter and were known as shortboards. With these boards, surfers were able to do quicker turns and a wider range of moves.
The modern history of competitive surfing began with the International Surfing Association. In 1964, they introduced the World Surfing Championships, which were held at Manly Beach, Australia. It was not until 1980 that they introduced a junior category, and this competition took place in Durban, South Africa.
The best places to surf
It is possible to surf in many places around the world – and different beaches have different characteristics. A few examples of popular places include Sennen Cove, in the UK, which is known for its peaceful atmosphere and consistent waves; Nosara, in Costa Rica, which is ideal for those who are new to surfing; and Canggu, in Bali, which is fantastic for intermediate surfers who want to take their skills to the next level. To be a good surfer requires a lot of practice and above all, excellent balance. A deep understanding of the ocean and nature is important too.
Surfing safety
The seas around many of the world’s great surfing beaches are also habitats for sharks. One local surfer, who teaches young people to surf, recommends that they listen to the shark news before they get in the water. Although shark attacks are rare, he adds: “You should also avoid places where sharks have been seen.” A number of beaches have protected surfing areas. However, even in these locations, surfers cannot be protected from jellyfish, which are the greatest threat because they are difficult to spot in the water. Surfers also need to be very careful in case there are large rocks hidden under the surface of the sea.
Alternative working life
Professional surfers don’t have a regular work routine, and no two days are the same. Some professionals travel around promoting the sport, while others earn money from being filmed. But one thing that they never fail to do is check the weather before setting off with their surfboard. It’s not a hard life!