before diving into the summary of surfing's history and the precedents it has set in watersports globally, it's crucial to note that often historians leave out crucial private details about key figures in surfing history due to their controversial nature. an important aspect to consider when talking about the evolution of surfing is the need to reboot our understanding with this context in mind, potentially altering our perception of the sport's heritage in a way that could discredit some lauded figures.