SurfPedia™
History of Surfing
by Skip Snead
1911
*The Hui O He'e Nalu surfing organization is officially
formed to promote surfing among Hawaiians. The club immediately sparks
a friendly rivalry with the Outrigger Canoe Club founded in 1908.
*On any given weekend as many as a hundred surfboards line the beach
at Waikiki and surfing regains its place back on the beach.
1912
*Duke Kahanamoku wins the Gold Medal in the 100-meter
freestyle to become the fastest swimmer in the world.
1915
*Outrigger Club now has 1,500 members.
*The Olo surfboard reportedly rides its last waves.
*Duke Kahanamoku introduces surfing to Australia.
1917
*Duke Kahanamoku catches a huge wave on the South Shore
of Oahu during a big South swell and surfs his 16-foot board from
Outside Castles all the way through Canoes, a ride well over a mile
long.
1919
*April 7. The United State's first surfer George Freeth
dies from exhaustion at age 35.
