One name that stays synonymous with the birth of surfing's modern era is Duke Kahanamoku. Duke, a native Hawaiian was born in 1890 and was one of the original 'Waikiki Beach Boys.' He was an outstanding waterman, surfer and swimmer. It was his swimming ability that launched him onto the world's stage. In the 1912 Olympic games in Stockholm he won a gold medal in the 100m freestyle. After his success at the Olympics, Duke toured Europe and America giving exhibitions of his swimming talent. Whilst in America he also demonstrated his surfing capabilities on the east and west coast, adding fuel to surfing's growing fire.

In 1914 Duke was invited to Australia to exhibit his swimming abilities. After he swam he went to Freshwater in Sydney, and on a surfboard that he had shaped himself he revealed the art of surfing to the Australians. The antipodean surf culture was born.

Throughout the 20th Century the Hawaiians, Americans and Australians have been at the forefront of surfing's regeneration. Other countries soon followed; Europe, South Africa and South America. Now people are surfing all over the world. Surf spots are being discovered every day in the most unusual locations.

During the 20th Century board design and construction has led to surfing explosion. We have gone from riding 120lb hardwood planks to 7lb epoxy and foam boards in 80 years. Surfing has become more technical and competitive. When surf movies first started playing in the 50's and 60's, people were able to see the hotdoggers at Malibu and the big wave chargers on Oahu's North Shore. The audience became more mainstream. They were inspired and surfing soon became a global phenomenon. Now surfing is big business and big industry.

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