When did surfing become a sport?

Question

When did surfing become a sport?

Answer 1

Surfing has actually been around since the 6th century, the Polynesians brought surfing to Hawii around the 1800's.

Answer 2

yeah what he said - about 400 years ago. Water, paipo boards, royals, nakedness.  That's sporting if I ever saw it.

Answer 3

It was a sport for royals only, in Hawaii, until about the 1920s, when it was opened to commoners.