You can't stop the waves but you can always learn to surf. Surfing is more than just a sport; it is a perfectly balanced relationship between man and the immense power of nature. The seemingly endless amount of board combinations and wave types creates a unique connection between the vast ocean and tiny humans that has fascinated people since the 1700s. This past is quickly becoming popular among younger kids, making it easier than ever to connect with Mother Nature. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Boards are designed for many reasons to enhance the surfer's connection to the land. Longboards or cruziers are designed for a smooth ride. (Types of surfboards). They allow for more creative driving, for example backwards or even with your hands. The fish is created to ride small waves quickly. These boards offer the rider a frenetic ride that makes him feel the charge of the ocean. The last common type of board to see is the short board also known as a Thruster. These boards make the art of surfing known thanks to their appearances in the most famous films. Short boards are built for precision, power and control. Riding a wave on one of these makes you feel extremely accomplished to be able to ride a huge wave on a piece of polyurethane covered in layers of fiberglass that measures just under 6'4. The type of board a rider will choose often depends on the wave they intend to ride. There are many types of waves to surf, all offering unique experiences. The waves most commonly seen in surf videos and films are immensely powerful reef breaks like Pipeline on the North Shore. Reef breaks produce pipes through which experienced surfers can slide using every muscle in their body to balance and slide the board to the end of the wave safely. Inside one of these pipelines you can feel fear, excitement and curiosity at the same time. These waves are relentless, wild and sometimes unforgiving, but if ridden perfectly they can provide a rare experience of the almighty ocean. Another popular type of wave is known as a beach break. (You know what you're surfing). A beach break is when the wave breaks on a sandy bottom. During the beach breaks it is possible to surf the barrels, making the ride calmer and longer and quieter. Almost everyone learns to surf this type of wave because it is a safe environment in case of a wipeout. These smooth waves can be ridden up to 20 feet in some places like Hossegor beach in the south of France. These waves are often ridden by crowds of surfers at popular beaches or surf school locations. It not only unites people, but connects groups to nature simultaneously. Barrel riders experience how nature can be exciting and ridiculously fun. Because the barrels are often intended for students, they double as the beginning of many people's relationship with the ocean and involve people in its preservation. In 2006, a toll road was proposed to cross Trestles Beach, known as the Yosemite of surfing. The idea of ​​commercializing nature for selfish capitalist reasons has not gone unnoticed by Southern California's surfing communities. Environmental activists, surfers and local businesses have banded together to stop what would be the beginning of a disastrous end for the state park system. Building this toll road would have cost taxpayers billions of dollars and would have completely destroyed numerous ecosystems and further polluted the air in Southern California. Together, these people fought.