Themes : First Wave

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Bellyboarding

A popular pastime in the early 1900s and before, bellyboarding laid the foundations for stand up surfing.

Surf Life Saving Clubs

From 1950 these clubs provided safety cover on much of the coast and helped encourage a beach culture in Britain.

Equipment

Surfboards and wetsuits have changed dramatically since surfing started in Britain. The leash didn’t arrive until the 1970s!

Competition

Jersey led the way, hosting the first British surfing competition in the late 1950s.

First Waves

The First Wave – the first surfers in Britain were true pioneers. Plus, riding your first wave – a moment many surfers never forget….

The Scene

Were the first surfers hippy drop outs, drunken louts or fitness freaks? How does Britain’s surf scene vary from the rest of the world and do surfers really care about the environment?

Commercialisation

In adverts for everything from clothes and cars to holidays and health insurance – surfing is everywhere. The First Wave has asked surfers what they think about the commercial aspect of the sport.

Women Surfers

The number of women surfing in Britain has hugely increased over recent years. Hear what male and female surfers have to say about girls in the curl.