Surfboat
A surfboat is a rowboat designed for the surf , which is used to save lives on the beaches of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa but also France and Great Britain . The boat was designed in such a way that it can be steered back to the shore through turbulent whitewater and breaking waves. A broad stern and high side edges prevent the boat from flooding or overturning, so surfboats have a pointed stern. However, some surfboats are also motorized.
Surfboat rowing as a competition
Surfboat rowing is very popular in Australia, New Zealand, and to a lesser extent in South Africa, France and the UK. Normally these competitions are integrated into rescue sports events. Modern motor boats have now replaced the surf boats as the tools for everyday use, but surfboat training and competitions remain popular as relaxing activities among professional rescuers and recreational athletes. The Australian form of sport draws large crowds to the beach and is featured frequently on television. The boat is steered by a fifth crew member, while the other four take over the rowing, the so-called sweeper is in the stern and steers by means of an oar. During the competitions a buoy course must be completed through the surf out and in. Hundreds of surfboat teams take part in these competitions.
history
Up until the 1950s, the most famous surfboats were there to supply the city of Accra in Ghana with the goods from the supply ships in front of the city. In Tristan da Cunha and the Pitcairn Islands , France's surf boats are known as longboats.
