Community Calls to Capitalize on Surfing’s Rich History at the Birthplace of the Sport

The U.S. state of Hawaii is not only famous for its idyllic locations and big barrels, but the tropical state is also renowned for its rich cultural heritage that comes with being the birthplace of surfing. Now, to preserve the centuries-old inception of surfing and the affluent history that comes with it, the surfing community aspires to make Hawaii the surf training destination.

In the 12th century, the Polynesians brought the concept of wave paddling to Hawaii. Ever since then, the roots of sport kept on expanding, and today surfing has become one of the most elite sports in the world. Now, to preserve the surfing bequest given to Hawaii by the Polynesians, many from the surfing fraternity are hailing to make the tropical state a designated surf training hub for the Olympics.

The surfing community is pining to preserve the centuries-old legacy of surfing in Hawaii

As per the report of Kohn 2, folks from the surfing fraternity are making solicitations to make Hawaii an official training ground for Olympic surfing. Hawaiian surfer and professional lifeguard Brian Keaulana spoke on the behalf of many and requested to draft a surf program in Hawaii. Keaulana stated, “Hawaii is the birthplace of surfing, but not just the birthplace, but really the testing grounds for the whole world”. Besides this, concerns like not enough capitalization on the sport’s rich history by the governing bodies also got resurfaced.

Hawaiian state senator Glenn Wakai conceded, “Did you know that in 2019 California designated surfing as tier state’s official sport?”. He added, “I mean, they are ramping up and we’re just kind of waiting in the water”. Then he underlined the need to “create momentum in Hawaii“.

Not just that, Wakai also mentioned the opening of the surf park at the Wai Kai inland of West Oahu and asserted, “We can’t only rely on mother nature to provide the 24/7 waves that are necessary”. Interestingly, Wai Kai’s stakeholders have also joined the forces with the petitioners and agreed to provide their abutment in the process.

Hawaii’s artificial surf grounds support the idea of using wave facilities as the training grounds

The Wai Kai partner and professional big wave surfer, Shane Beschen, conceded with the idea of making Hawaii a surf training hub and stated, “the LineUp at Wai Kai is the perfect high-performance training facility for Olympic athletes to hone their craft”.

Read More: “We Will Think We Are in Hawaii!”: Surfing Restaurant in North Texas Creates Buzz Within the Community

In his pursuit of making Hawaii a training hub, many joined Brian Keaulana to raise concerns about the need for capitalization on the sport. In conclusion, Keaulana mentioned, “Surfing is a sport now but without the essence or the history of surfing….. You know, because there is an etiquette and a respect that goes out in the water and ocean”.

WATCH THIS STORY – Monstrous Waves Every 8 Seconds Set to Become Highlight of Upcoming Surfing Facility at an Olympic Park