The newly relocated International Surfing Museum has found an appropriate home in Southern California.
The museum, which has opened in Huntington Beach and is nicknamed Surf City USA®, kickstarts a new chapter in telling the story of one of the state’s most popular pastimes.
Its inaugural exhibition, The Birth of Pro Surfing: 50 Years of World Champions, marks the 50-year journey of professional world championship surfing from 1976 to 2026.
It honours five decades of the world’s premier competitive surfing organisation, now known as the World Surf League (WSL), and features historic photographs, championship memorabilia, surfboards, archival footage, personal artefacts and never-before-displayed items.
Tracing the evolution of professional surfing from its pioneering beginnings to the global phenomenon it is today, the exhibition showcases the champions, defining moments and enduring legacy of the past 50 years.
Peter “PT” Townend, whose 1976 World Championship marked the beginning of organised professional surfing’s world title era, was present at the museum’s opening.
His influence extended well beyond competition through decades of leadership, advocacy, commentary, coaching and ambassadorial work that helped elevate surfing on the international stage.
“I’m honoured to be part of this historic celebration,” he said. “Looking back over the past 50 years reminds us how far professional surfing has come and how many incredible people have contributed to its growth. It’s exciting to celebrate that journey in the International Surfing Museum’s beautiful new home.”
The museum’s move to its new location, with support from Visit Huntington Beach, forms part of the vision for the Huntington Beach Cultural Hub on the fifth block of Main Street.
Alongside the Library and the Art Center, the new museum offers expanded gallery space, interactive exhibits, educational programming and enhanced opportunities to preserve and share surfing’s remarkable heritage with visitors from around the world.
Huntington Beach is located along Pacific Coast Highway, with convenient access from four airports.
It is known for its 10 miles of wide-open beaches, outdoor adventures and attractions that have been made available to those with accessibility needs.
