The History of Surfing: Intermediate / Advanced English Lesson

The earliest known evidence of surfing can be found in ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs and carvings, which date back to around A.D. 1000. These carvings depict people riding waves on wooden boards, which were referred to as “papa he’e nalu” or “wave-sliding board.” Surfing was a deeply spiritual activity for the ancient Hawaiians, and was believed to have been a gift from the gods.

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Section One:

The History of Surfing

Surfing is a beloved sport and pastime that has a rich and fascinating history. The origins of surfing can be traced back to ancient Polynesia, where the sport was developed by the indigenous people as a way to navigate the ocean and catch waves.

The earliest (superlative)  known evidence of surfing can be found in ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs and carvings, which date back to around A.D. 1000. These carvings depict people riding waves on wooden boards, which were referred to as “papa he’e nalu” or “wave-sliding board.” Surfing was a deeply spiritual activity for the ancient Hawaiians, and was believed to have been a gift from the gods.

The sport of surfing eventually spread to other Pacific islands, such as Tahiti and Samoa, where it was also deeply ingrained in the culture and tradition. However, it remained relatively unknown to the rest of the world until the late 19th century. Surfing soon became more popular than (comparative)  some other sports. Although, it was harder (comparative) to do than other sports.

 

NEW VOCABULARY: beloved, fascinating, can be traced back, Polynesia, to navigate, catch waves, evidence, ancient, petroglyphs, carvings
depict, riding waves, wooden boards, referred to, wave-sliding, board, deeply, spiritual, activity, believed to have, a gift from the gods
spread to, deeply ingrained, tradition, remained, relatively, unknown

 

AUDIO REVISION: Listen to the audio and read the paragraph at the same time. 

GRAMMAR SECTION:  (COMPARATIVES)

COMPARATIVES

Section Two:

In 1885, three Hawaiian princes, David Kawānanakoa, Edward Keliiahonui, and Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana’ole, traveled to California and introduced the sport of surfing to the United States. This sparked a wave of interest in the sport, and soon, surfing clubs and competitions began to pop up along the California coast.

In the early 20th century, surfing began to gain popularity in other parts of the world, such as Australia and South Africa. In the 1920s, Duke Kahanamoku, a Hawaiian surfer and Olympic gold medalist, travelled around the world promoting the sport and helping to establish it as a legitimate pastime.

 

NEW VOCABULARY: princes, introduced, sparked, a wave of interest, to pop up, to gain popularity, olympic gold medalist, travelled,
around the world, establish, legitimate, pastime

 

AUDIO REVISION:

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Section Three:

Over the years, surfing has continued to evolve and change. Today, it is a multi-billion-dollar industry, with professional surfers competing in international competitions and sponsored by major brands. But despite its growth, the spirit of surfing remains the same: a connection to the ocean and a love of riding waves.

Surfing is a unique sport that combines athleticism, art, and the beauty of nature. It’s a sport that has a rich history and culture and continues to evolve. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just a beach lover, the history of surfing is worth exploring and understanding.

NEW VOCABULARY: Continued, to evolve, multi-million, industry, professional, competing, sponsored by, despite,
connection, ocean, unique, athleticism,  art, beauty, a rich history, seasoned, a beach lover, worth exploring

 

AUDIO REVISION:

Section Four:

Surfing in Brazil

Brazil is a surfer’s paradise, with an abundance of beautiful beaches and world-class waves. The country’s long coastline, stretching over 7,000 km, provides endless opportunities for surfers of all skill levels to catch a wave. But with so many options, it can be hard to decide where to go. Here are some of the best places to go surfing in Brazil.

 

NEW VOCABULARY: surfers paradise, abundance, world-class, long coastline, provides endless opportunities, skill levels, catch a wave,
hard to decide

 

AUDIO REVISION:

Section Five:                                                                                                      (GREAT PLACES TO SURF IN BRAZIL)

  1. Florianópolis: Located on the island of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis is often referred to as the “Brazilian Hawaii.” The island boasts 42 beaches, many of which offer excellent surf conditions. The most popular spot is Praia Mole, known for its long, powerful waves and consistent swell.
  2. Recife: The capital city of Pernambuco, Recife is home to some of the best and most challenging waves in the country. The most famous spot is Praia do Pina, which attracts surfers from all over the world with its powerful barrels and hollow waves.
  3. Bahia: The state of Bahia is home to many world-class surf spots, such as Praia do Forte and Praia da Tiririca. The region has a unique surf culture and is known for its strong and consistent swell, as well as its warm water temperature.
  4. Rio de Janeiro: The iconic city of Rio de Janeiro is home to some of the most famous surf spots in Brazil, such as Arpoador and Barra da Tijuca. The region has a vibrant surf culture, and the waves here are suitable for all skill levels.
  5. Fernando de Noronha: This archipelago located 354km off the coast of Pernambuco offers some of the most exclusive and challenging surf spots in Brazil. The waves here are known for their powerful barrels and crystal-clear water, making it a surfer’s paradise.

Section Six:

No matter where you choose to go surfing in Brazil, one thing is for sure: you’re in for an unforgettable experience. The country offers a diverse range of surf spots, from the powerful waves of Recife to the more relaxed spots of Florianópolis. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, Brazil has something for everyone.NEW VOCABULARY: no matter, unforgettable, offers, a diverse, range spots, powerful waves, seasoned pro.

 

AUDIO REVISION:

____________________________

Writing Section:

Have you ever been surfing? Or do you know someone that surfs? Write 150 words about your experience of surfing.  Use the grammar below in your text.

Grammar: 

In your writing in the English section include two examples of the present perfect and three transition words. See the link below to help you:  TRANSITION WORDS LINK

 

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