Surfboat

The boat building traditions of several countries produced the same basic design when faced with the same problem, that of passing through turbulent whitewater and breaking waves and returning to shore.

A broad stern presented to steep and breaking waves when approaching shore can result in broaching (turning sideways to the swell) and swamping or capsizing of the boat.

The run (the after part of the bottom) was broad, flat and straight so that once the boat had beached, it remained upright.

Surf boat rowing is very popular in Australia and New Zealand and to a lesser extent South Africa.

Powered vessels such as inflatable skiffs and Jet Ski personal watercraft have replaced surf boats as the primary tools for real world rescue efforts, but surfboat training and competition remain popular as recreational activities among both professional rescuers and amateur athletes.