Skip to Main Content
Lost LA

How a WWII Plane Revolutionized Surfing

Foam boards needed years of innovation and experimentation to create the ideal surfboard.

10/23/2018 | Rating NR

Lost LA

How a WWII Plane Revolutionized Surfing

Clip: Season 3 Episode 3 | 3m 34sVideo has Closed Captions

Foam boards needed years of innovation and experimentation to create the ideal surfboard.

The first surfboards were made from woods that were heavy and unwieldy. Enter WWII, when the need for ever-lighter planes helped spur the creation of balsa wood structures blended with fiberglass, a perfect material for surfboards.

10/23/2018 | Rating NR

Problems playing video?   | Closed Captioning Feedback

Report a Problem

Before you submit an error, please consult our Video Help page.

Problems playing video?   | Closed Captioning Feedback

Report a Problem

Before you submit an error, please consult our Video Help page.

Lost LA is a local public television program presented by PBS SoCal

California’s Deep History with Surfing

Video has Closed Captions

Clip: S3 Ep3 | 3m 23s | Dick Metz founded the Surfing Heritage and Culture Center to document the sport's history. (3m 23s)

“The Endless Summer” Defined Surf Culture on Its Own Terms

Video has Closed Captions

Clip: S3 Ep3 | 8m 13s | Bruce Brown captured California culture while following two surfers around the world. (8m 13s)

Providing Support for PBS.org

Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship

Support for PBS provided by:

Lost LA is a local public television program presented by PBS SoCal

Sign in with Email

or

Continue with GoogleContinue with FacebookContinue with Apple

By creating an account, you acknowledge that PBS may share your information with our member stations and our respective service providers, and that you have read and understand the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Are you sure you want to remove null from My List?