Carneddau Triathlon

Surfing is something many people enjoy. Anywhere there's an ocean you are likely to see at least one or two people out there catching some waves, or at least trying to. It's not only a popular way of having some fun, it can also be a very lucrative sport. There are competitions held around the world, where contestants are able to win trophies, thousands of dollars, and a title.

The oceans of Hawaii were most likely the first to see people riding the surf. What a sight it must have been for the first foreigners seeing these surfers sliding along the top and down the sides of giant waves, perched upon their long boards.

The sea was, and still is, sacred to Hawaiians. Harnessing the power of the waves through the use of a board was considered a highly skilled craft. The better boards were made for the higher standing people, but the commoners were also allowed to make and use boards, just not of as high quality. Board making and surf riding were not complete without certain ceremonies being performed, and many of these ceremonies still take place today.

With the arrival of missionaries, riding in the waves with surfboards began to decline. Having fun in the surf, to them, was an undesirable practice and they wanted it to be wiped out. Outsiders from all over also contributed to the waning of the sport, but a few stubborn kings held fast to the practice and were able to thwart the attempts by the newcomers, and the sport once again began to thrive.

In the early 1900's, a swimmer and surfer named Duke Kahanamoku started travelling around the world giving swimming presentations. He also used this time to familiarize the rest of the world to the sport of surfing. There is a statue of this wave riding pioneer that still stands today on Waikiki Beach on the island of Oahu.

The winter weather on Hawaiian shores, especially Waimea Bay, Sunset Beach and the Pipeline Beach on Oahu produces some of the most fantastic waves in the world. This brings to the islands world class competitions, such as the Pipeline Master's Competition. These athletic meetings sometimes result in the death of surfers, taking on the horrendous waves found there. That however, does not seem to deter the competitors.

Learning how to surf isn't something that is easily learned. It takes a lot of time and practice become skilled at surfing. Once you get on your feet and are able to catch your first wave, it's possible this sport will become something you want to pursue further. If you live near the ocean, the chances are even better that you will be spending your days trying to master your board and become one with the waves.