While there are various different sports which are practices across the globe, there are very few which could be considered as being universal. While soccer and boxing are mainstays of most regions sporting schedules, there are hundreds of other activities that remain on the fringes of mainstream sport. Surfing is an example, and remains especially popular in coastal regions with high temperatures and excellent climates. As it finally become an accepted high school sport in its spiritual home of Hawaii this October however, there are increasing calls for it to be included in curriculumâs throughout America during the next 12-18 months.
What Makes Surfing a Suitable High School Sport?
Hawaii may be the birthplace of surfing, but as an activity it also remains popular throughout other coastal regions of northern America. What is most often overlooked about surfing is that it is an extremely competitive sport, with regional, national and world championship events helping to establish it as far more than just an enjoyable past time for its practitioners. It is this competitive edge that separates a sport from mere physical activity, and helps to teach the core elements of discipline, focus and technical ability that all sportsmen require.
With surfing set to be introduced and practised in U.S. high schools from as early as 2013, it is worth considering its place alongside other established high school sports. While football and basketball have held their importance for generations, sports such as volleyball and swimming have retained status despite being less universally popular both throughout the U.S. and the rest of the world. In terms of the quality of physical activity that it provides and the avenues for world recognition that are available for competitors, surfing deserves to take its place amongst the elite of high school sports.
A Outstanding Physical Workout
There are other benefits of surfing that mark it as a viable high school sport. Primarily it is a vigorous and physically taxing activity, and provides a high quality core muscle workout for any individual. It is especially beneficial to the legs and lower abdomen, and can deliver a tremendous physical workout either as a stand alone sport or as a way to keep in shape and maintain an active outdoor lifestyle. In an age where video gaming and social networking resources dominate so much of youngsters time, surfing provides a welcome relief and refreshing change of pace.
In an era where ball and team sports remain dominant, it is easy to forget the fundamental definition of sport and the activities that represent it. In essence, a sport is a form of vigorous physical activity that is often undertaken in the name of competition, and there are few more relevant evocations than surfing. It is an individual sporting pursuit that deserves to takes its place alongside swimming, competitive cheer leading and similar high school activities, and is likely to become a regular feature in numerous educational establishments throughout America,s coastal cities.
Written by Rob, Event Organiser for Chillisauce, company specialising in Stag Weekends and Activity Weekends
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