Suring as an official Sport

Surfing has woven into every aspect of many people's lives in Hawaii. It also created this unique culture and lifestyle. Surfing was such an important part of the Hawaiian culture that played an integral part of Hawaii's daily life and tradition. It is generally accepted that Polynesians from Tahiti and Hawaii were the first to enjoy the smooth gliding of a Mother Nature sea wave, using a simple carved wood as a board. After the fascination and discovery of surfing, the surfing started becoming as a sport. Not only were people surfing for pleasure, they exhibited their finest wave-riding style in fierce competition which was part of the game and as a contest. Competitive surfing was originally discovered in the early 1920's by a local Hawaiian named Duke Kahanamoku, who first introduced sport of surfing to Australia and to America. Duke, who is also known as the father of surfing has inspired many local people to recognize surfing as a leisure pursuit and more important of all, in competitive surfing.

Surfing has not yet been officially recognized as a high school sport in Hawaii although many other mainland schools claim surfing as an official high school sport. Mainland schools such as Point Loma high and Palomar high schools that are one of the most popular known places for surfing have many positive feedbacks from their surf team. Point Loma is an organized undefeated surf team that has been around for seven years due to many volunteer moms and great local community. Forty some students shine as they represent for their school. The team works hard to hold their undefeated record. If mainland schools can maintain a surf team, then Hawaii has a greater chance. Growing up in Hawaii, surfing should be a major priority. Surfing is a part of the culture in Hawaii and should not be forgotten, and therefore, high schools in Hawaii should treat surfing as an official sport.

If high schools agree to have surfing as a sport, more students will become encouraged to stay fit and active in the long run. Surfing is becoming more popular in Hawaii every year. What is better than to take a nice swim out to the sea and catch a wave or two and enjoy the nice ride? When the sun is out, water is warm, the waves are glassy and in perfect swell, so you are getting a good work out while also having fun. However, surfing requires you to be able to swim well. In order to overcome the power of the waves, a person needs to develop strength in their arms to paddle across the sea. Many surf spots are far away from the shore breaks, so a person needs to have a good endurance in their upper arms. Surfing gives you the whole package in staying lean and fit. The paddling is good for the cardio, pulling yourself up from the surfboard is good for your arms, and the balancing gives your leg muscles a great work out. It is mistaken that surfing will only work out your upper body. Surfing is more than just paddling out to the sea and searching for the waves. As a matter of fact, good balance, grip, and support will be achieved from surfing. Many students enjoy surfing as a hobby and however, if surfing was introduced to schools as an official sport, students will maintain their hobby throughout their high school life.

Surfing should be a great sport for students who want the challenge. Students will have an opportunity to gain contest experience and refine their skills. Students will also learn to overcome the challenge and anxiety in the ocean which will also be useful in the long run. Students will deal with physical fear as well as emotional fear during contests, but it will help them to become closer with their families who will watch and cheer them as they enter competitions.

Many Board of Education members protest that surfing is more than just a sport itself. It is true in many forms that nature takes over in which we cannot have control over of. The state Department of education is concerned about many liability issues and safety. However, the health issues would not be a problem if the schools equip enough coaches, jet skies, and enough gears for every competitor. If the schools take extra steps in caring for the safety, the chances in students getting hurt is minor. In Honolulu Bulletin article, Linda Robb, the former Hawaii director for the National Scholastic Surfing Association states that, "If liability were legitimate issue,