man surfing under wave

When Was Surfing Invented and Who Rode the First Wave?

Surfing is a global phenomenon and one of the most popular watersports. People, both young and old, are riding waves everywhere from Sydney to California. For many, it’s a weekend hobby, and for others, it’s an Olympic sport and a professional career. But, long before its current popularity, it was part of a rich and ancient culture.

So, let’s take a look at surfing’s roots, learn where it all began, and discover who may have been the first to ride a wave!

Surfing’s Origins in Polynesia 

palm trees on polynesian island

Chiefs and warriors carved massive wooden boards from local species of trees, like koa, wili, and ulu. They’d often compete in front of entire villages in a show of skill, strength, and social status. There were strict customs; boards were crafted ceremoniously, and certain beaches were even reserved for royalty.  

Fast forward to today, and you don’t need royal blood to get on a surfboard. However, you do need some guidance, whether it’s from a friend who already knows how to hang ten or from professionals, like at this surf school in San Diego

Who Was the First Known Surfer?

surfing giant wave

Nobody really knows who first stood up on a wave; it was far too long ago to have any accurate records. However, some stories go back centuries. When Captain James Cook arrived in Hawaii in 1778, he and his crew were amazed at the sight of locals riding waves with such speed and control. One of Cook’s officers, Lt. James King, described surfers gliding “with astonishing velocity” on wooden planks. This is the first known written account of the sport we now call surfing. 


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How Surfing Spread to the Western World 

As Westerners colonized Polynesia, traditional surfing was called frivolous, or even sinful, by missionaries. This led to a decline in the sport. By the early 1910s, it began making a comeback thanks to one man, Duke Kahanamoku. He was a Hawaiian swimmer and Olympic gold medalist, and is responsible for the global popularization of surfing. Celebrated as the father of modern surfing, he brought the sport to California and Australia. He gave public demonstrations, built boards, and inspired the first generation of surfers outside the Pacific islands. 

surfing at sunset

However, he wasn’t the first person to surf in the US. Decades earlier, in 1885, three Hawaiian princes held the title as the first people to surf in the continental United States. David Kawānanakoa, Edward Keliʻiahonui, and Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole surfed the mouth of the San Lorenzo River in Santa Cruz on boards they crafted from local redwood.



Surfing Today 

man in wetsuit holding surfboard

From Bali to Brazil and Cape Town to Cornwall, millions of people paddle out each year. It’s even an Olympic sport, making its debut in the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, with plenty of other regional surfing competitions televised around the world. 



Be A Part Of A Oceanic Tradition

Surfing was born from nature, tradition, and skill. So, the next time you paddle out, think about how you’re part of something much bigger than a sport. Riding waves is a significant historical practice that stretches back over 1,000 years and was even captured in ancient cave paintings.

Whether you’re right at home on the waves or just getting started, when you’re out on the water, now you can surf with a newfound respect for how it all began! 

 

people on pontoon boat

How much is boat Insurance? A Complete Guide to what drives rates

The common quote goes: “The two happiest days in a boat owner’s life are the day they buy the boat and the day they sell it.”

But, boat insurance can help ease your level of concern when it comes to your investment, by ensuring that you don’t need to worry if anything goes awry with your boat.

women and childrend on a boat

In today’s article, we’ll take a dive into the types of boat insurance and what factors go into the pricing of each specified type.

Liability Boat Insurance

Liability coverage is what insurance will protect you against financial responsibility if you are at fault for any injury or damage that happens while operating your boat. Liability insurance can cover bodily injury to others, property damage, legal defense, and environmental damage.

luxury boat

Depending on where you keep your boat, the marina may have a minimum coverage requirement to allow you to use your boat in that area. The more expensive the boat is, the higher the liability coverage is going to be. Coverage can also extend to anyone who is using your boat with your permission.

Determining Factors for Liability Boat Insurance Cost

The determining factors for the cost of the liability insurance for your boat will depend on a few factors:

  • Boat size and horsepower
  • Operating area (inland lakes vs. coastal waters)
  • Number of operators
  • Boating experience and safety certifications
  • Claims history
  • State requirements and marina minimums

The larger the boat, and the more people that are going to be on board, the higher the limit you’re encouraged to get. Typical coverage for liability boat insurance starts at $100,000, and many experts recommend going for $300,000 to $500,000. The reality is that accidents do happen, and unfortunately, sometimes the bill can be quite high.

Collision Boat Insurance

Collision coverage for your boat is exactly that, coverage if there is a collision.

Handling a boat can put it at risk for a collision, since you often you can’t see everything that is in the water. You could even be hit by someone while you’re out and about on the water. Damage to the boat can also occur while it’s docked, and in this case, you’re going to want coverage.

sinking boat

Deductibles for collision insurance often range from $250-$1000.

Collision coverage is often required by lenders if you are financing the boat.

Some insurance companies will offer emergency assistance and often will cover the boat while it’s being transported on a trailer. You may be able to get boat shipping discounts if you already have collision coverage, as the transport company won’t require you to pay additional money for transport insurance. 



Determining Factors for Collision Insurance Cost

Below are some of the determining factors for the cost of boat collision insurance:

  • Boat value and age
  • Hull material and construction
  • Navigation equipment installed
  • Storage location and security
  • Usage frequency
  • Type of waters navigated
  • Deductible selected
boats docked at marina

Depreciation of the boat does reduce the premium around every 5 years (depending on the insurance provider). Special boats like classic boats may require special coverage to cover the added cost of the added “classic” cost.



Comprehensive Boat Coverage

Comprehensive coverage for a boat is for everything else that doesn’t fall into the collision or liability insurance categories. It’s for theft, vandalism, fires, explosions, storm damages, sinking while moored, and even animal-related damage.

boat parked at marina for maintenance

Boats that are used as an income source (tourist attractions, fishing boats, etc) can benefit greatly, as all the gear on board will be covered. Without comprehensive insurance, there is a risk that the value of your personal belongings will not be able to be recouped under less comprehensive insurance plans.



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Determining Factors for Comprehensive Boat Insurance Coverage

Below are some of the factors that affect the premium cost of comprehensive boat insurance:

  • Geographic location (hurricane exposure)
  • Storage methods and security
  • Age and condition of the boat
  • Previous theft claims in the area
  • Safety and security equipment
  • Winter storage practices
  • Local crime rates

Depending on your location, comprehensive coverage can vary significantly. For boats worth around $100,000, annual comprehensive coverage typically ranges from $600-1,200 in low-risk areas. However, if you’re in a hurricane zone like Florida or the Gulf Coast, expect to pay 40-70% more, potentially pushing premiums to $1,000-2,000 annually.

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Conclusion

Boats are expensive and can incur high costs during the lifetime of ownership, but skimping out on insurance is NOT ideal. Take the time to investigate insurance providers, and decide what type of insurance is right for your boat usage.

Be safe on the water!

 

floating dock EZ Dock

Whatever floats your… | The Best Types Of Floating Docks for Boaters

Boating on any body of water is a gateway to a spectacular outdoor experience.

And, whether your love fishing, or just enjoy breathing the fresh air, it helps to have a dock to secure your boat, to make it easier for your friends, family and loved ones to climb aboard.

Floating docks also give you the flexibility to start your journey in different locations. So, let’s take a look at the numerous options you have for floating docks and premier outlets where you can make your purchase.

What Is a Floating Dock?

You might be wondering, what’s a floating dock anyway?

EZ Dock Idaho

A floating dock is a movable (and floating) platform on which you can safely board a boat or personal watercraft.

Many floating docks are barefoot-friendly and allow you to piece together sections, similar to a puzzle, to accommodate the number of people in your party.

Advantages of Owning a Floating Dock

There are multiple types of floating docks on the market to accommodate boats and watercraft. The main differences between products relate to their sizes and materials. However, you can expect most floating docks to provide the following advantages:

  • Adaptable: You can find floating docks that adapt to changing water levels. This is perfect for lakes and reservoirs in which water levels rise and lower due to weather.
  • Removable: Change your setup between adventures to board in new locations.
  • Configuration options: Join more than one floating dock together for a larger platform.
  • Ease of use: Adjusting the size of a floating dock allows you to easily set out on your boat, jet ski, kayak or canoe without trouble.
  • Weather-ready: Floating docks adapt to inclement weather without submerging.


Top Types Of Floating Docks

Picking the right floating dock for your setup requires looking at the materials used to make them. Any dock from a reputable brand should serve you well, but you might be more inclined to choose one over another due to its characteristics.

1. Polyethylene

EZ Docks Polyethylene floating dock

Polyethylene floating docks are popular options for enthusiasts like you. The surfaces last for long periods of time with zero chance of rusting or rotting due to the lack of metal or wood in the designs. These docks are also affordable to fabricate, leading to a surplus of shapes available.

2. Aluminum

Aluminum is a lightweight metal that stands strong against surface damage — imperfections like scratches and dents are of minimal concern. Similar to polyethylene floating docks, aluminum varieties are incapable of rusting.

aluminum floating dock

3. Inflatable

Inflatable floating docks are versatile for small watercraft. As the name implies, these floating docks fill with air to stay above the water and you can fix them to permanent docks or other structures with rope.

Most inflatable floating docks are manufactured with polyester threads and PVC. These products are less durable than their polyethylene and aluminum counterparts, but the high-pressure inflation process gives them a solid feel all around.




The Best Places to Get Floating Docks

EZ Docks Connecticut 1

Here are some of the best floating dock suppliers for lakes…



1. EZ Dock

EZ Dock has been a pioneer in the floating dock industry since 1991 with fully customizable options for residential, commercial, government and industrial customers.

EZ Dock in Florida

EZ Dock manufactures polyethylene docks that are slip-resistant and feature impressive weight capacities.

Products from this manufacturer are some of the best docks for lakes that freeze, as recycled rubber couplings are used to add strength and flexibility under changing conditions. Your floating dock stays intact while being straightforward to disassemble, should you need to.




2. AccuDock

accudock floating dock amd boat

AccuDock is well-known in the industry for manufacturing floating docks for rowing competitors. This company allows you to customize aluminum docks in virtually any size or shape, and its staff assists with permitting consultations and installations, too.

Whether you need an ADA-compliant dock or want to create a floating dock to precise specifications, this brand, based in Pompano Beach, Florida, stays current on the latest trends to create stellar products.

3. Bellingham Marine

Bellingham Marine prides itself on providing infinite solutions for waterways. One advantage of this manufacturer is that you can find concrete, wood and aluminum floating docks.

bellingham marine docks


Final Thoughts On Best Types Of Floating Docks

A floating dock is the key to unlocking the full potential of a lake, pond, or spring. Whether you need a docking solution for work or leisure activities, the types of floating docks and the top makers mentioned in the lists above will help you make a logical decision for your boating adventures.

So, explore the waters and make new memories with friends and family like never before once you settle on a polyethylene, aluminum or inflatable floating dock that exceeds your expectations!

Happy and safe boating!