THE HUNTINGTON BEACH INTERNATIONAL SURFING MUSEUM
The Huntington Beach International Surf Museum (HBISM) first opened in 1988. Ironically, it was founded by someone who never surfed.
For more than a decade, Natalie and a group of dedicated volunteers (including legendary surf guitarist Dick Dale) gathered original surf artwork, old surf photographs and of course unique surfboards from years gone by.
Natalie died in February 2014 at the age of 76, but the HBISM lives on, under the leadership of Executive Director Peter Townend. PT has been a driving force in the worldwide surf community for more than 55 years, first as a pro surfer and later as a coach and writer. The HBISM honors more than 100 years of surfing history with displays, artifacts and information about the surf lifestyle. It has a strong local flavor, featuring exhibits of Huntington Beach surf pioneers like George Freeth, Duke Kahanamoku and Gordie Duane.
Today’s museum features lots of surf art, a tribute to surf music, and a small theater where classic surf movies and documentaries on surf history are shown. Its gift shop includes surf art, books, t-shirts and other cool souvenirs for sale.
The HBISM is located right off Main Street in Huntington Beach and is open Thursday through Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm. Last Wave proudly supports this very worthwhile organization, and so can you! A portion of all HBISM branded product sales is donated back to the museum in support of the history and culture we all love.
www.huntingtonbeachsurfingmuseum.org
Until next time,
Ted
