Surfing GOAT Kelly Slater, still winning series on tour at the age of 50, tried to convince GQ in June that there are more surfers in the world than golfers. Believe it or not, celebrities foaming on the waves include Chris and Liam Hemsworth, Lewis Hamilton, Andrew Garfield and Jonah Hill. So: are you on to something?
The first recorded case of humans surfing dates back to 12th century Polynesia. But it is probably older; cave paintings supposedly demonstrate early versions of the sport. Which means surfing isn’t just enjoying a major moment today, it has for thousands of years.
Andrew Garfield, Lewis Hamilton and Jonah Hill are big fans of surfing.
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“I want to try that.”
We talk about surfing in 2022 because the sport is enjoying a new wave of popularity in the UK; a surge in interest in part because lockdown Brits have been hitting the beach in recent years and falling in love with nature again. Plus, there’s the consequent desire to live, breathe and dress like a cool Chris Pine surfer, informed from a fashion perspective by collaborations like Dior and Stussy and designer Daniel Arsham creating surfboards with Haydenshapes.
Speaking to The Guardian, Hannah Brand of Surfing England said: “More tourists are coming to the coast, they see surfing and they say, ‘I want to try that, it looks great.’ Add to that its debut at the 2020 Olympics and its inclusion in Paris 2024, and it’s obvious that surfing has become popular across cultures and lifestyles.
Nick Hounsfield, Founder of The Wave and Chairman of Surfing England
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Surfers are incredible athletes.
“As a surfer, it’s great to watch the sport [getting this level of recognition]says Nick Hounsfield, Founder of The Wave, Bristol and Chairman of Surfing England. “Professional surfers have an unparalleled level of commitment and are some of the most incredible athletes I know from any sport. They live it and breathe it. But, until now, it has had poor financial backing, so there has been a glass ceiling for its development. Anything that highlights the sport and surfers can only be a good thing.”
Source: www.gq-magazine.co.uk