This was my first visit to North Devon since the museum opened to the public in April and I was keen to check out the collection of boards and other surf paraphernalia on show.
Situated in the main car park at the heart of Braunton the Museum is well placed to attract the thousands of passing tourists which visit this friendly surf town yearly. Although not actually on the beach, Braunton acts as a gateway to the popular beaches of Croyde, Saunton and Putsborough. Any surfer wanting to learn about the heritage of the sport can easily call past on their way to or from the beach.
With many items dating back to when surfing was first introduced to Britain the museum has crammed a massive amount of information into their four high walls (stacked to the ceiling with board porn).
The well laid out and informative exhibits made the museum seem deceptively large and a pleasure to wonder around and soak up the history at your own pace. I took me about 2 hours to take in most of what was on offer. But I still felt like I could have stayed longer to marvel at the eclectic mix of surfboard designs on offer.
The Museum Of British Surfing is a must visit for any surfer with an interest in history. But it is equally accessible for all, whether you surf or not. Here's hoping the museum is a success, otherwise we risk losing part of our culture to the shadows of time.
Some more pictures for ye...
The well laid out and informative exhibits made the museum seem deceptively large and a pleasure to wonder around and soak up the history at your own pace. I took me about 2 hours to take in most of what was on offer. But I still felt like I could have stayed longer to marvel at the eclectic mix of surfboard designs on offer.
During my visit there was an emphasis on surf art. The mediums on display ranged from backlit sculptures through to some beautifully finished surfboards. However, my favourite piece was this one. The original Tris Surfboards logo. An amazing amount of detail and something I would love to have a print of.
The Museum Of British Surfing is a must visit for any surfer with an interest in history. But it is equally accessible for all, whether you surf or not. Here's hoping the museum is a success, otherwise we risk losing part of our culture to the shadows of time.
Some more pictures for ye...
(yes, thats a cardboard surfboard in the middle pic!)
This small museum honours surfking like no other, and celebrates surf music, surf life-saving and - of course - surf babes. Temporary exhibits come and go like the waves, but there's usually something here to see. The museum is staffed with volunteers who are full of surfing stories, some of which may actually be true.
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