Surfing is much more than a sport; it is truly a culture unto itself. Those who ride waves share a deep connection to the ocean that can only be forged over hours spent bobbing in the swell, patiently waiting for the set to roll in, and then working furiously to catch and ride the awesome power of tons of water rushing toward the shore.

The exhibits at the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum explore this unique culture from its early origins in Hawaii through over 100 years of surfing in Santa Cruz. Introduced in 1886 by three Hawaiian princes who surfed the mouth of the San Lorenzo River on plank boards, surfing has permeated every facet of the Santa Cruz community.

Throughout its history, surf culture has reflected and responded to popular culture. Photographs chronicle the evolution of surfing culture in Santa Cruz from idyllic summers spent at the beach in the 1930s and 40s, through the hipster beach party 50s, the surf rock 60s, the “soul surfing” 70s, the neon 80s, and the rebirth of classic long-board riding in the 90s.

Examples of surfboards from each era are on display, from the huge hollow paddle boards and redwood planks made and ridden in the 1930s and 1940s to examples of early foam and fiberglass boards, and speedy short boards used to create radical new surf moves beginning in the 1970s.

Also on display see surf memorabilia from bygone eras, local surf club patches, surf movie posters, wetsuits, examples of basic surf moves, and a board that survived a shark attack (the surfer made it too!)