Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum
In Huntington Beach, Orange County, California, you’ll find the International Surfing Museum, which is a museum that falls under section 501(c) and is non-profit. The mission of the museum is to ensure that the rich heritage of surfing cultures all around the world is not lost. It is dedicated to Duke Kahanamoku, who is widely recognized as the individual who was responsible for popularizing surfing as an activity in the modern age.
The International Surfing Museum showcases vintage surfboards, educates visitors on the sport’s most illustrious figures, and regularly screens iconic surfing movies. Visitors get the opportunity to look at amazing surfing sculptures and listen to surf music.
In June of 1990, the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum relocated to its current location at 411 Olive Avenue and opened its doors to the public. Ann Beasley and Natalie Kotsch were the ones that initiated its creation in the year 1987.
Surprisingly, Kotsch had never surfed before to this point in his life. She was originally from a region in Canada where there was very little to no surfing activity. But she recognized this incredible beach vibe and a welcoming spirit in Huntington Beach, which made her feel happy, and she got caught up in a fever that snags many people who live in beach areas around the world.
According to Kotsch, one does not need to be a surfer in order to enjoy watching the sport. And the more than 90% of locals who do not surf would agree with you. Because of the work that she has put in, a substantial amount of the best surfboards and important pieces of local history will be able to be cataloged and shown in the museum as part of a massive collection.
Ann Beasley and Natalie Kotsch were both welcomed onto the Honor Roll the following year, 1998 “was established to recognize those individuals who have made significant contributions to surfing and its culture and are worthy of recognition, but who may not meet the criteria necessary to earn a stone on the [Surfing] Walk of Fame. Candidates for inclusion on the Honor Roll are chosen by the Board of Directors of the Surfing Walk of Fame.”
This surfing museum charges only a nominal admission fee for guests, whether they are tourists or locals. At this time, each visitor must pay $2 in order to enter the museum.
Particularly well-liked by surfers from all over the world, they come to the museum to trade anecdotes and learn where some of their favorite local surfers are surfing these days.
Next Point of Interest: Shipley Nature Center