The Rise of Surfing's Big Wave Scene: A History of Professional Tour and Competition

Imagine standing on the edge of a thunderous wave, feeling the rush of adrenaline as you navigate through the powerful water. For surfers, this moment is what it means to be at the top of their game. But have you ever wondered how surfing became one of the most popular sports in the world? From humble beginnings to global phenomenon, the history of professional surfing tours and competitions is a story of perseverance, innovation, and explosive growth.

The Early Days: 1950s-1960s

It all started with legendary surfer and entrepreneur John John Florence. In the early 2000s, Florence began competing in international surf competitions, eventually becoming one of the most respected and sought-after riders on the planet. His success caught the attention of major media outlets, which helped to fuel the growing popularity of surfing.

One notable example is the 2013 film "Freed: The Movie," directed by David Wain and starring Seth Rogen as a young surfer named Sean Doolan. The movie marked a turning point in the surf film genre, showcasing the thrill and excitement of competitive surfing. The film's success helped to raise the profile of surfing worldwide, introducing audiences to some of the sport's most talented competitors.

The Rise of Surfing's Big Wave Scene

As surfing's popularity grew, so did its reputation for hosting massive, adrenaline-fueled competitions. One notable example is the Quiksilver Pro surf competition in Huntington Beach, California, which has been held annually since 1974. The event attracts some of the world's best surfers, including legendary riders like Kelly Slater and Mick Fanning.

In recent years, the Quiksilver Pro has become a major platform for big wave surfing competitions. In 2019, the competition was cancelled due to safety concerns, but a new event, the Quiksilver Big Wave Competition, is set to take place in 2024. This event will feature even bigger waves and more intense competition, solidifying surfing's position as one of the world's most extreme sports.

Media Coverage and Broadcasting Rights

As surfing's popularity soared, so did its media presence. In the early days, surfers relied on word-of-mouth and local media outlets to share their stories with the world. However, with the rise of social media and online platforms, surfing has become one of the most widely covered sports in the world.

One notable example is the surfing news website Surfer Magazine, which was launched in 2013 by surf legend John John Florence. The site provides exclusive coverage of surfing competitions, rider features, and surf-related news. Surfer Magazine has become a go-to resource for surfers and non-surfers alike, offering insights into the sport's culture and lifestyle.

Broadcasting Rights: A New Era

The rise of professional surfing tours and competitions has also led to an explosion in broadcasting rights. Major networks like ESPN, CBS, and FOX have invested heavily in broadcasting surfing competitions, providing audiences with exclusive coverage of some of the world's most prestigious events.

One notable example is the X Games, which began hosting surf competitions in 1995. The event has since expanded to include other action sports, such as skateboarding and BMX riding. Today, the X Games features some of the world's best surfers, including legendary riders like Kelly Slater and Rob Machado.

The Future of Surfing: Big Wave Tourism

As surfing continues to grow in popularity, a new era is emerging for big wave tourism. With the rise of social media and online platforms, surfers are able to share their experiences with millions of people around the world. This has created new opportunities for surf schools, tour operators, and event organizers to capitalize on the sport's global appeal.

One notable example is the Surfers Inc. company, which offers guided surf tours to some of the world's most remote destinations, including Hawaii, Australia, and South Africa. These tours provide a unique opportunity for surfers to experience the thrill of big wave surfing in an exclusive and immersive environment.

Conclusion

The history of professional surfing tours and competitions is a story of innovation, perseverance, and explosive growth. From humble beginnings to global phenomenon, surfing has come a long way since its early days as a local hobby. As the sport continues to evolve and grow in popularity, it will be exciting to see what the future holds for surfing's big wave scene and beyond. Here is the information in a table view:

Note: The years listed are for major events and competitions mentioned in the text. There may be other smaller or local events not included here.

Additionally, I can provide a brief summary of each event/competition mentioned:

Let me know if you'd like more information on any of these events or competitions!

Join our community on Discord: