Early Polynesia
Surfing traces its roots to Western Polynesia more than 3,000 years ago. While historians cannot pinpoint its exact origins, it is believed a form of surfing was done all over the South Pacific at that time, particularly among the native Maori tribe.
The Duke and the Modern Introduction
Hawaii's Duke Kahanamoku, a Waikiki local, was a paragon of surfing and swimming in the very early 1900s. Shortly after his winning performance in swimming at the 1912 Stockholm, Sweden Olympics, Duke traveled the world, introducing surfing to many cultures and people. He is credited with the modern reintroduction of surfing to New Zealand. While surfing had been practiced there, it had not yet gained the commercial exposure made popular by Duke's visit.
Into the 1960s
After Duke's reintroduction of surfing to the people of New Zealand, it grew rapidly as a pastime. In 1963, New Zealand's first national championships were won by Peter Way at Mount Maunganui. And in 1968, the New Zealand surf movie "Children of the Sun," featured the best surfers in the country.
1970s and 1980s
In 1976, New Zealand played host to the first event of the new World Professional Surfing Tour. It was won by Michael Peterson and took place at North Piha. In 1987, Kiwi Iain Buchanan won his fifth straight Open Men's National Title. Buchanan went on to compete on the world tour and finished 34th overall--the highest a Kiwi has ever placed.
Modern Era
In 2005, New Zealand cemented its place as a top surfing location by hosting the Vodafone Surf Sessions at Piha Beach. Premier surfers like Andy Irons, Mark Occhilupo, Sunny Garcia, Joel Parkinson, Maz Quinn, Daniel Kereopa, Bobby Hansen and Morehu Roberts drew 15,000 spectators to the event.
