Surfing Essentials
At Bob Gnarly Surf we don't believe you need every single surfing accessory under the sun. But there are a lot of great items out there that do help. This is a compilation of our favourite accessories for Surf, Paddleboarding and watersports in general.
The History and Development of Surf
Surf has ancient roots, stretching back over a thousand years in Polynesian culture. It began as more than sport—it was a spiritual practice and community ritual. Chiefs surfed to display their skill and gain honor within their society. Boards were carved from sacred native trees, often with ceremonial importance.
The first written accounts came from European explorers in the 18th century. In 1778, Captain James Cook's crew observed Hawaiian surfers and documented the tradition. At the time, surf was deeply tied to Hawaiian society and customs. Class and tradition shaped who could ride, what boards they used, and when.
Christian missionaries arrived in the 19th century and sought to suppress native Hawaiian customs. As Western influence spread, traditional surf began to fade in prominence. Despite this, a few Hawaiians, including Duke Kahanamoku, preserved the art. Duke, an Olympic swimmer, became surfing’s ambassador and cultural icon. He introduced surfing to Australia and the mainland United States.
By the early 1900s, surfing reached California and Australia's shores. In the 1920s, seaside communities adopted it as both sport and lifestyle. Californian clubs emerged, bringing together early surfing enthusiasts and innovators. Surfboards began evolving—from heavy redwood to lighter, more agile designs.
After World War II, the 1950s sparked major growth in surfing's popularity. American youth embraced it as a counterculture symbol of freedom and rebellion. The invention of foam and fiberglass boards revolutionized access to the sport. Surf became faster, lighter, and more accessible to beginners.
In the 1960s, surfing broke into the global mainstream. Movies like Gidget and music from The Beach Boys glamorized surf culture. Surf became linked with California sunshine, teenage spirit, and youthful rebellion. It wasn't just a sport—it was a lifestyle with cultural flair.
The 1970s saw surfing shift toward structured competition. The International Professional Surfers (IPS) association began ranking athletes worldwide. Board design transformed again, as shortboards gained popularity for sharper turns. This era introduced a more aggressive, performance-driven style of surfing.
In the 1980s, professional surf gained even greater legitimacy. Sponsorships grew, media coverage expanded, and global tournaments became televised events. Legends like Tom Curren and Mark Occhilupo elevated surfing’s reputation. Magazines and surf shops thrived, fueling a growing industry and fan base.
Technological advances in the 1990s further pushed the sport forward. Improved wetsuits allowed surfers to ride year-round in colder waters. Surfboard designs became more varied to suit different styles and wave conditions. Surf culture expanded across Europe, South Africa, South America, and Asia.
The early 2000s marked a wave of inclusion and awareness. Women surfers gained recognition with stars like Layne Beachley and Lisa Andersen. Environmentalism also entered surfing, with many advocating for ocean protection. Surfers became more vocal about sustainability and coastal conservation.
In 2011, the World Surf League (WSL) replaced earlier governing bodies. The WSL helped standardize rules and increase global media coverage. It brought structure and professionalism to both men’s and women’s tours.
A major milestone came in 2020 when surf entered the Olympics. Held in Tokyo, it marked surfing’s arrival on the world’s biggest sporting stage. This legitimized the sport further and introduced it to new audiences globally.
Today, surf is a thriving and global phenomenon. From Bali to Brazil, surfers form communities united by passion and tradition. Surf blends athleticism, creativity, and a deep connection to the ocean.
Technology continues to shape modern surf. Wave pools bring perfect waves to places far from any coast. Digital tools track performance and help surfers improve their skills.
Despite change, the soul of surf remains timeless. It is a graceful dance between human and wave, art and sport. As long as waves break, people will paddle out to ride them.
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