The history of surfing is rooted in ancient Hawaiian tradition and spirituality. By late 1700s, surfing became an integral part of Hawaiian culture, encompassing it as an art, sport, and religion. Over time, surfing went through various changes, and has revolutionized into a world-wide popular sport. Today, surfing represents a multi-billion dollar industry.

Surfing is a surface water sport that requires the individual to ride along the crest of a wave on a surfboard. This outdoor water sport usually requires great stamina and agility, as evidenced by Sports Illustrated 2006 ranking of surfing as the 23rd toughest sport (out of 60 sports).

There are various forms of surfing. Two most common types include regular stand-up surfing and bodyboarding (aka boogie boarding). Bodyboarding differs from regular stand-up surfing in that it is ridden lying down. Bodyboarding is argued to be the earliest form of surfing. However, during the 1990s, the sport of bodyboarding experienced a revolutionary change.

While old school body boarding centered on more flexibility and easy going ways of surfing, modern bodyboarding sport centers on intense aerial tricks, which include bigger waves and 720 degrees spins in the air. Because of the distinct nature of bodyboarding to that of regular stand-up surfing, bodyboarding requires a surfboard (bodyboard) that is much shorter and made of lighter material.

Some of the best internationally known surf breaks/spots include:

Malibu, CA

Bells Beach, Australia

Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Teahupo'o, Tahiti, French Polynesia

Cape St. Francis, South Africa

Banzai Pipeline, Hawaii (O`ahu's North Shore)

Trestles, CA. (Orange County)

The Date Activity

Surfing can be a great date idea if you and your partner are both the outdoorsy/sporty type. Oh yeah, another important factor is that you both should love the beach and preferably live nearby one. If your date is interested in surfing, but has no experience, take a surf lesson together. One day private lessons last for a couple of hours and cost under $100 per person, on average.

On Your Own / With Friends

If surfing doesn't work out on a date, it can also be enjoyed on your own or with friends. Actually, surfing locations can be a great place to meet potential dates as well. Because of the nature of this outdoor water sport, it is always recommended to go with a group of friends than alone.

You can pick up surfing as either a sport or leisure activity. Either way, surfing is a great way to work out and tone up. So, if you happen to be one of the fortunate ones who live by the coastline, take advantage and hit the waves.

*interesting trivia: although many people use the term boogie board synonymously to bodyboard, it can only be coined boogie boarding if the actual bodyboard is a boogieboard brand.