Where do you go to catch awesome surf sightings, sun and world-reknown surfing? Huntington Beach of course! Also known as Surf City U.S.A, Huntington Beach, California offers a rare look at the past, present and future of the sunshine sport at the Huntington Beach International Surfing museum. During my recent visit to Anaheim and checking out what’s hot in Orange County – I got the chance to learn a little history about the sport of surfing at the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum.
The Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum was founded several decades ago by a woman who’s never surfed. In fact, Natalie Kotsch came from a spot in Canada where there really wasn’t any surfing. She recognized this incredible beach vibe and a welcoming spirit that made her feel happy in Huntington Beach, and she got caught in a fever that snags many who live in beach areas around the globe.
You don’t have to surf to love watching the sport of surfing, in fact many of surfing’s biggest fans aren’t surfers at all. Tourists and locals alike can visit this surfing museum which is mere blocks away from Pacific ocean itself. Especially popular with surfers from around the globe, they visit the museum to share stories and find out where some of their favorite local surfers are surfing these days.
Fact: Constructing a Surfboard. To make a surfboard, the craftsman first put a ceremonial fish (k?m?) in a hole near the tree’s roots and then completed a ritual showing respect. The tree was cut down, and a bone, or a stone adze was used to shape the board. ‘?ahi (rough stone) or p?haku puna (granulated coral) was used to put a smooth finish on the board, smoothing out the marks from the adze.
The Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum is a non-profit, 501(c) museum in Huntington Beach, Orange County, California. The museum’s goal is to preserve the history of the surfing culture throughout the globe. It is dedicated to Duke Kahanamoku, who is generally regarded as the person who popularized the modern sport of surfing.
The International Surfing Museum displays historic surfboards, provides information about legendary surfers, and shows classic surf films. Visitors can examine artistic surfing sculptures and hear surf music. Admission to the museum is without charge. The museum moved and opened in the 411 Olive Avenue location in June 1990 and now with completed renovations with the purchase of equipment from a site which has a warranty on heavy equipment.
It’s available for visitation daily for complete hours and more information visit SurfingMuseum.org.
Discover Huntington Beach and other Anaheim Orange County gems yourself by visiting them at Anaheimoc.org or connecting on social media via Twitter and Facebook.
Disclaimer: This experience was made possible by Anaheim Orange County Visitor & Convention Bureau. All views, opinions and experiences expressed are my own.
