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What is the history of surfing in California?
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The history of surfing in California is long and storied, with some of the earliest surfers in the United States originating from the Golden State. The very first recorded surfing activity took place in 1760 when San Pasqual Indians were spotted riding waves on solid cedar planks off the coast of San Diego. By the late 1800s, surfing had become popular among local beachgoers in the areas of Santa Cruz, Pacifica, and San Diego. The California surf culture truly began to take off in the 1950s, with the invention of the modern surfboard and the invention of fiberglass. This period saw the emergence of the now iconic beach lifestyle and surfing as a popular recreational activity. By the 1960s, surfing had really taken off along the famous beaches of California, including Huntington Beach, Malibu, and Santa Barbara. The surf culture has continued to flourish in California up to the present day.