Hawaii became the first state to officially recognize surfing as a high school sport, which will take effect by the spring of 2013. Funding for the program will come from the private sector and the community.

“Surfing has been a really big part of my life and has taught me a lot of valuable lessons: what hard work and perseverance can do, time management and how to stay organized,” said Carissa Moore, 18, Association of Surfing Professionals women’s world champion.