I am, of course, referring to Christopher Columbus and his alleged discovery of America (or at least the America we know today). History says that Columbus stumbled upon America in 1942 while searching for a passage to India and going west from Portugal. However, what Columbus “discovered” was, in fact, only the eastern coast that would one day become the 13 colonies. He never actually set foot in the contiguous United States.

More importantly, many other groups and cultures had touched America prior to Columbus. There were groups of Vikings known to have raided the coasts and there has even been evidence of Portuguese and Italian settlements along the coast that predate Columbus by more than a few centuries. Technically, these parties would have “discovered” America first. Of course, this was before hughesnet plans internet or the like so no one knew. However, the real question comes into play – how can you say you discovered something when there were already people living there?

I am referring to the Native Americans who called America home centuries before any of these groups. And while history may tell you Columbus discovered America, a more accurate account of his exploits would be that he discovered the British-American culture and laid down the foundation for the thirteen colonies.

While not exactly simple, life back then did not have all of the things we have today that make life easier. In order to survive, a family had to learn to rely on the land and take care of themselves. Houses were typically one room cabins made of logs. Furnishings were very simple and served a purpose. There was no room for furniture that was not necessary. People made their own furniture with wood.

The main way of life for most people was farming. Families had to rely on what they raised and grew in order to survive. In fact, what they grew, raised and harvested was all that many families had in the way of food.

Life was very different during the colonial period. It was a difficult life and required a lot of strength, determination and courage. People had to be self-sufficient and learn to rely on themselves in order to survive.

In 1803, in what was known as The Louisiana Purchase the United States purchased 828,800 square miles of land from France for 12,000 doubling the size of the U.S.

The California Gold Rush of 1848 saw thousands of people flock to California leading to its development, and statehood.

The 1860 election of Abraham Lincoln as president forced several states to secede from the union leading to the Civil War.

Lee’s surrender at Appomattox on April 9, 1865 saw the end of the Civil War, enabling a divided nation to begin the process of reuniting.

On August 26, 1920 the 19th Amendment was passed giving women the right to vote, thus beginning equal rights.

The 1929 stock market crash, was the largest ever. It pushed the U.S. into the Great Depression which lasted twelve years.

The Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941 prompting a previously reluctant U.S. to enter World War II.

The dropping of the atomic bomb by the U.S. on Japan ended World War II, and ushered in the Cold War.

The assassination of John F. Kennedy on Nov. 22, 1963 shattered the American innocence, and plunged the U.S. deeper into the Vietnam War.

The 9/11 terrorist attacks killed nearly 3000, and changed the way Americans live their lives.

Price

If you are still not sure whether or not surfing will be a long term sport for you, it might be a better choice to settle with a cheaper but more reliable board. In order to find the best board, you must know how durable that board is.

Durability

Just like with anything else you buy, you must be sure that it will not break right away. Depending on the price, durability might rise as the price rises. So you will have to find the perfect balance between durability and price. If you are able to find a board that fits you at a reasonable price, you are definitely on your way to riding those waves. The last thing you will need is a few lessons and you will be set.