Surfing Books at the California Surf Museum
Not only does the California Surf Museum have interesting exhibits and an ever-growing assortment of surfboards, but it also has a fabulous gift shop for people who want a more noteworthy souvenir to take home from their visit.
The exhibits rotate from time to time, which means there is frequently something new and interesting to see. In addition, this niche museum not far from San Diego hosts lectures and book signings, giving visitors an opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the biggest names in the field.
On Exhibit
During your visit to California Surf Museum, learn more about the big names and small heroes of surfing as the sport has evolved over the years through the fascinating exhibits.
Don’t miss these displays:
Classic Balsa Surfboards at the California Surf Museum
Body Surfing and Handplanes
Who said you need a surfboard to ride the waves? This exhibit looks at body surfing and the origins of swim fins for greater propulsion.
Bethany Hamilitons Courageous Inspiration Exhibit at the California Surf Museum
Courageous Inspiration: Bethany Hamilton
Bethany is perhaps one of the most well-known surfers today, not only because she survived a brutal attack by a tiger shark, but also because of her impressive comeback and positive attitude.
The exhibit includes photos, a documentary about her experience, and the ill-fated surfboard she rode when attacked.
A fun fact about Bethany Hamilton is that she competed on the Amazing Race and of course excelled on the challenge that included the surfing simulator!
Doc Ball’s Camera
This handmade camera from the 1930s was used to take photos from the surfer’s perspective way before action cameras were available to the masses.
The Dynamic Duo, The V-Dubs Have Arrived
This exhibit is a celebration of the brother/sister athletes, Jack and Reid Van Wagoner.
An inspiration to the local surf scene, both Reid and Jack not only thrive in both the longboarding and shortboarding contest circuit, but they embody the true spirit of sportsmanship.
Inside the California Surf Museum
Expanded Timeline of Surfboards
With this exhibit you’ll get to journey through the chronicle of the history of surfing!
View the museum’s collection of over 20 surfboards including a Mark Richards twin fin, an Andy Irons thruster, and a Simon Anderson thruster.
From wooden planks to foam and fiberglass - it's the perfect intro to surfing’s historic roots.
The Morey Boogie Exhibit at the California Surf Museum
Let’s Boogie! Tom Morey and the Evolution of the Boogie Board
Not only does this exhibit showcase Tom Morey, the father of the Boogie board, from inception to creation, it also follows its mother, Patti Serrano, and her marketing genius that helped build the brand, business, and sport.
View hand-illustrated instructions on “How to Skin Your Boogie” from Tom Morey. Learn how the Boogie Board’s slick bottom helped riders like Mike Stewart and Jack Lindholm dominate the scene and thrust bodyboarding into wave-riding history!
Plastic Fantastic
Dedicated to the small surfboard manufacturer from the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, this exhibit and stinger board were featured on the History Channel’s American Pickers television show.
More Classic Balsa Surfboards at the California Surf Museum
The Science of Surfing
Funded by a City of Oceanside Covid-19 Nonprofit Grant, The Science of Surfing combines STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) and the California Next Generation Science Standards for an exhibit that’s part ocean science and part physics to create a unique and engaging display.
Perfect for all guests, this experience will have little surfers of all ages learning how big surfers use the natural world and science to advance the sport.
Where’s the Surf? Find Swell Direction with Wave Science
This display explains the contribution of the Coastal Data Information Program, a network of buoys found along the coast that provides real-time information about ocean surface temperature, wave energy, and wave direction, and how the system benefits the surfing community.
World Surfing Champion Kelly Slater’s Surfboard
At the display, visitors will get to see Slater’s Channel Islands Al Merrick-shaped “Fred Rubble” model 5-fin board.
This is the board the 11-time world champion used on his World Surf League (WSL) pro tour.