We are in Byron Shire,
Around here some people surf.
This is our small contribution to surfers from everywhere.

Surfing first arrived in Australia in 1915 thanks to Hawaiian Duke Kahanamoku. He showcased the traditional Hawaiian board riding technique at Freshwater in Sydney, New South Wales. Today, you can see Kahanamoku’s board displayed at the Freshwater Surf lifesaving club in Sydney.

Surfing became incredibly popular in the 1950s, to the point where the Australian government implemented laws to discourage people from surfing during working hours. However, these laws ended up backfiring as they only encouraged more people to hit the waves. Eventually, the laws were repealed.

In 1956, a group of American lifeguards introduced Malibu boards to Australia, further expanding the surfing scene.

During the 1960s, Australian surfboard designer Bob McTavish revolutionized the sport by inventing the V-bottom surfboard. This innovation played a crucial role in the development of shortboard surfing.

Australia has produced numerous world champions in the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), including Tom Carroll, Stephanie Gilmore, Wayne Bartholomew, Wendy Botha, Barton Lynch, Damien Hardman, Mick Fanning, Mark Occhilupo, Joel Parkinson, Layne Beachley, Mark Richards, Pauline Menczer, Sally Fitzgibbons, and Chelsea Georgeson.

The World Surf League holds three major championship events in Australia: the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, and the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro.

Mick Fanning, one of Australia’s most successful surfers, has claimed four titles at Bells Beach, earning him the top spot in the surfing rankings.

Australia is home to a whopping 2.5 million recreational surfers and around 420,000 people who hit the waves annually. With over 100 surf schools and 2300 accredited surfing coaches, it’s safe to say that surfing is a big deal Down Under. In fact, more than 1 in 10 Aussies enjoy surfing as a recreational activity.

But surfing isn’t just a laid-back lifestyle anymore. It has evolved into a mainstream sport, attracting a wide range of enthusiasts. This growth has sparked interest in the health benefits of surfing. Turns out, riding those waves is not only fun, but also great for your body.

When you paddle through the water, your arms and back get a serious workout, building up muscular strength. Plus, the constant movement increases your heart rate, giving your cardiovascular fitness a boost. It’s like a full-body workout in the ocean!

So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, surfing offers a whole package of benefits. It’s not just about catching waves, it’s about improving your overall well-being.

But it’s not just about the physical benefits. Surfing also provides a mental escape. The serene environment and the rhythm of the waves help reduce stress. It’s a chance to clear your mind and find some inner peace.