Bob Gnarly Surf Gift Voucher
Bob Gnarly Surf Gift Voucher - Shopping for someone else? Not sure what to give them? Give them the gift of stoke with a Bob Gnarly Surf Gift Voucher.
Or maybe use them as a 'savings plan' for a more expensive item like a new surfboard or similar?
The Gift voucher can be redeemed against all products on our website, and also at our store on 78 Hylton Road, Sunderland, SR4 7BB.
A Gift Voucher i delivered by email or text and contain instructions to redeem them at our checkout. There is also the option to print out your gift card to give to a family member or friend.
Our Gift Vouchers have no additional processing fees.
Surf History
Surfing is the art of riding waves on a board. It blends athletic skill, harmony with nature, and pure thrill. Modern surfers chase waves worldwide, but the sport's roots run deep in history.
Surfing began in ancient Polynesia, particularly in Hawaii. It was more than recreation—it held deep cultural and spiritual meaning. Chiefs surfed the best boards and breaks. The ability to ride waves was a sign of status and skill in Hawaiian society.
The boards used were massive. Some stretched over 15 feet long and weighed more than 100 pounds. These were carved from local trees. Surfing was part ritual, part sport, and always a communal act. Chanting, prayers, and ceremonies often surrounded the making and riding of boards.
When Westerners arrived in Hawaii in the 18th century, they recorded the locals surfing. Captain James Cook's crew witnessed it and wrote amazed accounts. As colonization spread, surfing nearly disappeared. Missionaries disapproved of the pastime and banned many traditional practices.
By the late 19th century, surfing faced extinction. Only a few Hawaiians continued the tradition. One of them was Duke Kahanamoku. He is often called the "father of modern surfing." Duke was an Olympic swimmer and Hawaiian waterman. He traveled the world promoting surfing and demonstrating the sport in exhibitions.
During the early 20th century, surfing began a slow global rise. Southern California and Australia became key surf spots. Local clubs formed, boards improved, and a community grew. Wooden boards gave way to lighter materials like balsa and, later, foam.
The 1950s and 60s sparked a major surf boom. Hollywood films, surf rock music, and beach culture helped surfing explode in popularity. The image of the carefree surfer became iconic. Brands, magazines, and competitions followed. Surfing became both lifestyle and sport.
Technology helped fuel progress. Boards became shorter and lighter. Wetsuits allowed surfers to tackle cold waters. Leashes kept boards connected to riders. These innovations opened up new locations and year-round waves.
The 1970s brought professional surfing. Organized contests with prize money drew talent from around the globe. World tours and rankings appeared. Surfers began pushing the limits—charging bigger, faster, and more dangerous waves.
Surfing culture evolved as well. It developed its own language, fashion, and art. It absorbed elements from music, skateboarding, and environmentalism. “Soul surfers” valued the connection with nature. Others chased trophies and fame.
The 2000s saw further progression. Wave pools emerged, creating consistent surf far from the ocean. Big-wave surfing reached new heights with tow-in techniques and jet skis. Women’s surfing grew in visibility and influence.
In 2021, surfing made its Olympic debut. It marked a major step for the sport. Surfing was no longer just counterculture—it stood on the world’s biggest stage.
Despite all the change, surfing still carries ancient echoes. The glide across a wave links modern surfers to those Polynesian ancestors. Each ride honors both history and the present moment.
Today, surfing continues to evolve. It blends tradition, innovation, and passion. Whether on coral reefs or artificial waves, the thrill endures. It's an ever-changing dance between rider and ocean.
From sacred ritual to global sport, surfing has come a long way. Yet its core remains simple: one person, one wave, one ride. And that, in its own way, is timeless.
