Did You Know That Florida Had A Surf Museum?
Surfing enthusiasts would assert that the roots of surfing trace back to Florida, as evidenced by the establishment of the Surfing Hall of Fame. Adding to the Sunshine State’s surfing legacy, the renowned King of the Wave, Kelly Slater, hails from this coastal haven. A must-visit for surf aficionados in Florida is the Surf Museum, conveniently situated on the same premises as the iconic Ron Jon Surf Shop.
Dedicated to preserving and showcasing the distinctive history and culture of Florida surfing, the Florida Surf Museum invites visitors to immerse themselves in the heritage and traditions of the vibrant surfing community. Through a dynamic array of events, exhibits, and programs, the museum brings the spirit of the waves to life.
The journey of the Florida Surf Museum began in 1999 when it was initially known as the Cocoa Beach Surf Museum, housed in a space so compact that turning a longboard around posed a challenge. At the time, the concept of a surf museum was relatively novel, but Sean O’Hare’s visionary initiative quickly resonated with the community. Volunteers and generous donations poured in, facilitating the growth and evolution of the museum.
Over the course of two years, a steady influx of surf-related artifacts, including magazines, photographs, trophies, and various memorabilia, filled the museum’s premises. The sheer volume of these cherished items and the natural progression of the museum’s mission made relocation a necessity, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing journey of the Florida Surf Museum.
Check it out, here.
For more Stories From The 78, follow @tombarnas78 on Instagram and @storiesfromthe78 on TikTok.