Bridlington's Surprising Place in Surfing History

When you think of surfing in Britain, Cornwall or Devon probably spring to mind. But the earliest documented surfing in the country actually took place somewhere rather less expected: Bridlington, on the Yorkshire coast, in 1890.

An Unexpected Piece of Coastal History

Bridlington has long been a traditional seaside destination, known for its sweeping sandy beaches, historic harbour and colourful seafront. But hidden within its history is a remarkable story that connects this Yorkshire town with the islands of Hawaii, thousands of miles away.

In September 1890, two Hawaiian princes, Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole and David Kawānanakoa, visited Bridlington during a break from their studies in England.

Accustomed to the warm waters of the Pacific, the princes found themselves on the shores of the North Sea. Rather than being discouraged by the cooler climate, they were delighted to discover that Bridlington's waves offered an opportunity to enjoy a familiar pastime: surfing.

What followed is now recognised as the earliest documented instance of surfing in Britain.

Two Princes and the Waves of Bridlington

Surfing had been part of Hawaiian culture for centuries, and the two princes were already experienced wave riders.

During their stay in Bridlington, they spent their days swimming and riding the waves, much to the surprise of local onlookers.

We know this thanks to a letter written by Prince Kūhiō on 22 September 1890 to the Hawaiian consul, Mr Armstrong.

In it, he described their enjoyment of the seaside, particularly the windy weather and rougher seas that made surfing possible.

He wrote, "We enjoy surf riding very much", before describing the surprise of those watching them from the shore.

Even their English tutor, believed to be John Wrightson, was learning to ride the waves under their guidance.

It's a wonderful image to imagine: a Victorian seaside resort, with its traditional bathing costumes and promenading holidaymakers, while two Hawaiian princes introduce an unfamiliar sight to the Yorkshire shoreline.

Exactly what their surfboards looked like remains uncertain, although historians believe they may have used wooden boards made from timber obtained locally.

A Forgotten Story Rediscovered

For more than a century, this remarkable episode remained largely unknown.

It wasn't until 2012 that research by Hawaiian historian Sandra Kimberley Hall brought the story to wider attention.

A letter preserved in the archives of the Bishop Museum in Honolulu provided the evidence connecting the princes to Bridlington and established the town's unexpected place in British surfing history.

The discovery was celebrated by the Museum of British Surfing, which recognised it as the earliest confirmed account of wave riding in the country.

Although the modern British surfing scene would develop elsewhere, particularly around the beaches of Cornwall and Devon, Bridlington can claim a place at the very beginning of its recorded history.

Seeing Bridlington in a Different Light

One of the pleasures of exploring the Yorkshire coast is discovering the stories that lie beneath its familiar landscapes.

Today, Bridlington's beaches attract walkers, families and visitors enjoying the fresh sea air. The harbour remains a lively part of the town, while the wide sweep of sand and the changing colours of the North Sea offer something different with every season.

Yet it's fascinating to think that more than 130 years ago, two young Hawaiian princes were riding waves along this same stretch of coastline.

There are no surviving photographs of their surfing visit, and we don't know precisely where along Bridlington's shoreline they took to the water.

But the next time you find yourself walking along the beach, watching the waves roll towards the shore, it's worth remembering this little piece of history.

Long before surfing became a familiar sight around Britain's coastline, the waves of Bridlington had already attracted two enthusiastic surfers from the other side of the world.

And that seems a rather wonderful claim to fame for our corner of Yorkshire.

Bridlington is just a short drive from Flamborough and Cherry Tree Cottage. Its beaches, harbour and traditional seaside attractions make it a lovely place to explore during a stay on the Yorkshire coast.

Further reading: Museum of British Surfing: Hawaiian Royals Surf Bridlington in 1890