Surfing is an ancient practice that developed in various coastal cultures around the world, long before its modern popularization. We’ll embark on a journey through time to explore the origins and evolution of the sport until it became a global phenomenon, as well as meeting the biggest names in surfing today!
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Read on to find out who the biggest names in surfing today!
Today’s biggest names in surfing: historical context
Surfing is an ancient practice, with its origins dating back to the islands of Polynesia. Reports suggest that ancient peoples used boards to glide over the waves more than a thousand years ago.
However, it was in Hawaii that surfing became an integral part of culture and daily life, long before the arrival of Europeans.
British explorer James Cook documented the practice of surfing in Hawaii in 1778, describing the natives’ ability to ride waves with wooden boards.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in surfing today!
Origin and evolution
Ancient Hawaii
In Hawaii, surfing was known as “heʻe nalu” and was practiced by everyone from children to kings.
Hawaiians used different types of boards, varying in size and shape according to their skill and social status.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in surfing today!
Global diffusion
Surfing began to gain popularity outside of Hawaii at the beginning of the 20th century, especially in California and Australia.
It was at this time that surfing culture began to form, with the development of lighter boards and more advanced techniques.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in surfing today!
Modern Era
In the 1960s and 1970s, surfing established itself as a global sport, with the creation of professional competitions and the emergence of major sporting icons.
Surfing’s popularity continued to grow, culminating in the sport’s inclusion in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in surfing today!
Biggest names in Surfing today: rules and disciplines
The rules of surfing are established by the World Surf League (WSL) and other international organizations. Surfing competitions follow a specific format:
- Heats: surfers compete in heats of 20 to 35 minutes, where they try to catch as many waves as possible.
- Scoring: the judges evaluate each wave based on the difficulty of the maneuvers, innovation, fluidity and control. The score ranges from 0 to 10.
- Best Waves: the final score is usually based on each surfer’s two best waves during the heat.
- Priority: there is a priority system that determines which surfer has the right to catch the next wave, avoiding collisions and disputes.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in surfing today!
Modalities
- Shortboard: focused on radical and fast maneuvers, with shorter and lighter boards.
- Longboard: uses longer boards, allowing for a more fluid and elegant surfing style.
- Big Wave: specialized in giant waves, requiring specific boards and a lot of experience.
- Tow-in: big wave surfing where the surfer is towed by a water bike to gain speed.
Read on to find out who the biggest names in surfing today!
Biggest names in Surfing today (Male – World)
Gabriel Medina (Brazil)
Two-time world champion and one of the most influential surfers today.
John John Florence (USA)
Known for his technical ability and performances on big waves.
Italo Ferreira (Brazil)
Tokyo 2020 Olympic Champion and World Champion.
Biggest names in Surfing today (Female – World)
Carissa Moore (USA)
Multiple world champion and Tokyo 2020 gold medalist.
Stephanie Gilmore (Australia)
Seven-time world champion, known for her elegant style.
Tatiana Weston-Webb (Brazil)
One of the top surfers on the world circuit, competing for Brazil.
Biggest names in Surfing today (Male – Brazil)
Gabriel Medina
One of the biggest names in Brazilian surfing, known for his aerial maneuvers and aggressiveness on the waves.
Italo Ferreira
Surfing’s first Olympic champion and a standout on the international scene.
Filipe Toledo
Known for his fast and innovative maneuvers.
Biggest names in Surfing today (Female – Brazil)
Tatiana Weston-Webb
Brazil’s main representative on the women’s world circuit.
Silvana Lima
Brazilian surfing veteran, known for her persistence and technical skills.
Which countries are the favorites for Paris 2024?
- Brazil: with a generation of talented surfers like Gabriel Medina, Italo Ferreira and Tatiana Weston-Webb, Brazil is one of the favorites.
- USA: With names like John John Florence and Carissa Moore, the USA has a strong chance of a medal.
- Australia: a traditional surfing powerhouse, with surfers like Stephanie Gilmore and young emerging talents.
Surfing continues to grow globally, inspiring new generations of athletes and solidifying itself as a leading sport on the Olympic stage and beyond.
Excited for the 2024 Olympics? So, now that you’ve met the biggest names in surfing today, get to know them too:
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