This new museum had its grand opening last Saturday, May 2nd. It's located in a shopping plaza on the west side of Dixie Highway just past the Institute of Beauty.
It is the largest surfing museum in the east coast and the "second best surfing museum in the world" per Tom Warnke (see photo), the Executive Director.
There are surfboards, photos, awards, and articles chronicling the history and culture of surfing in Florida -- and featuring Palm Beach. But other areas of Florida are highlighted as well in their own sections.
Loved seeing the oldest known photo of surfing in Florida from 1919 (behind the Breakers) and a fully restored balsa wood surfboard -- which they think is the oldest surf board in Palm Beach County.
Most of the items in the museum were donated. And most of the folks working are volunteers. Although admission is free, there is an opportunity to make a donation.
While there, we got into a lovely discussion with a man who surfed along the Florida coast from Miami to Stuart. My husband and he shared a few South Beach surfing stories.
This will be a popular tourist attraction -- not only to locals, but to visitors as well. It's a unique venue. read more