fin to twin fins.1980'sThe introduction of the tri fins were developed. Also, another improvement to surfing was the development of the leash, invented by Jack O'Neill. Still, surfing kept growing and growing.1990'sNow surfboard designs can be done with the use of computers, new lighter materials are used to compose the board, new styles of riding (we will go into more detail in the section Evolution of the Board). You don't even have to be a surfer to recognize the name Kelly Slater. Named "the best competitor the sport has ever seen." Born in 1972, this six time world champion grew up in Florida and had a contract with Quicksilver before even graduating high school. He popularity also made him a star on television and in Hollywood.Lets Not Forget the WomenSurfing is often thought as a male sport, but in fact women have been enjoying surfing since the days of ancient Hawaii and in California in the 1920's. One of the earliest women surfers from California was Mary Ann Hawkins. The first Australian to ride a surfboard was, in fact, a woman: Isabel Letham, who rode tandem with Duke Kahanamoku in 1915, when he introduced surfing to Australia. Surfing among women really became popular with the arrival of Hollywood movies, such as Gidget Goes Hawaiian, or Ride The Wild Surf. Linda Merrill's surfing style incorporated ballet-like artistry as she danced from the tail to the nose in the early 60's. Joyce and Joey Hamisaki, from Hawaii, were probably the first well-respected women surfers. In 1968, Margo Godfrey was in the scene. Margo surfed with a "tom-boyish" style, and in 1975 she was the first pro women surfer. More and more women are hitting the waves. The arrival of professional surfing has helped this process; so has the twin-fin board, being small, light and easier to turn than a single fin. But the people who have been mainly responsible for this change in public attitude are the professional women surfers themselves. ...
