From Polynesia to the Mediterranean
The history carried by a wave
Surfing travelled from a Pacific cultural practice to a global sport — and found a character of its own on Israel's shores.
01
World history
From a way of life to global culture
Before contests, an industry and forecast models, there was ocean knowledge, skill and tradition.
Ancient times〰
Polynesian roots
Wave riding developed across Polynesia and became an important part of society, skill and spiritual connection with the ocean in Hawaiʻi.
1910s01
Duke took surfing worldwide
Hawaiian swimmer and Olympic champion Duke Kahanamoku gave demonstrations that helped turn surfing into an international sport.
1960s–202002
Boards change, the ocean remains
Lighter materials, new techniques and professional tours broadened surfing; its Olympic debut came at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
02
Surfing in Israel
A Mediterranean rhythm of its own
Ocean swell does not arrive every day, so local culture grew around observation, quick decisions and a strong community.
1956IL / 01
Israel's first wave
American doctor and surfer Dorian “Doc” Paskowitz came to Israel and helped introduce the young country to surfing.
The decades that followedIL / 02
A local scene takes shape
Generations of surfers, clubs and contests grew around city beaches. Each stretch of coast developed its own habits and names.
TodayIL / 03
A Mediterranean culture of its own
From Nahariya to Zikim, a community has grown with its own spots, clubs, photographers and a habit of checking the sea before every paddle-out.
