pean to see surfing in Hawaii and report on it was a British explorer James Cook, who sailed into the islands in 1778. Surfing in the Hawaiian islands was suppressed as a frivolous activity by Christian missionaries through much of the 19th century. It did not reappear there until the early part of the 20th century. One of the most influential surfers from the early 20thcentury was Duke Kahanamoku, known as the "father of surfing." The popularity of surfing is mainly accredited to this one man. He was the first Hawaiian to travel outside of the islands to demonstrate his skill to viewers all over the world. History Beyond Hawaii1910'sAt the turn of the century, Hawaiians and transplanted Europeans began surfing Waikiki, by this time it was for pure enjoyment and not because it was required for ritual. In 1912, Duke Kahanamoku was selected to be on the United States Olympic swimming team. On his way to the Stockholm for the games, he introduced surfing to both of the American coasts. He brought the gold home in the 100 meter freestyle. He was named the World's fastest swimmer, this lead to his popularity. His fame allowed him to travel the world to demonstrate his swimming skills and the idea of riding the waves on a wooden board. On January 15, 1915, Duke introduced surfing to Australia. Duke toured the Aussie beaches and at Freshwater, gave a surfing demonstration. He gave a young man named Claude West a few lessons, gave him his pine board, and left for home. Those few lessons must have taken, because West won the Australian surfing championship from 1919 through 1924. 1920'sThe idea of riding a wave perched on a board made it's way from Hawaii to California. Tom Blake sailed to Hawaii in 1922 and became fascinated by surfing. Returning to California later that same year, he built his first surfboard by turning a redwood plank into a honeycomb structure, drilling hundreds of holes and covering this core with wood venee...
