The International Surfing Museum has officially opened its new home in the heart of Surf City USA®, marking an exciting new chapter in preserving and celebrating the rich history and culture of surfing. Its inaugural exhibition, The Birth of Pro Surfing: 50 Years of World Champions, marks the 50-year journey of professional world championship surfing from 1976 to 2026.
The exhibition honours five decades of the world's premier competitive surfing organisation, now known as the World Surf League (WSL), while celebrating a landmark moment in surfing history – the crowning of Peter "PT" Townend as the first-ever World Professional Surfing Champion in 1976, a milestone that helped shape the modern era of the sport.
Featuring historic photographs, championship memorabilia, surfboards, archival footage, personal artefacts and never-before-displayed items, the exhibition traces the evolution of professional surfing from its pioneering beginnings to the global phenomenon it is today, showcasing the champions, defining moments and enduring legacy of the past 50 years.
"This exhibition celebrates the pioneers who transformed surfing from a lifestyle into a professional sport while honouring the athletes whose vision and determination created opportunities for generations of surfers around the world," said Fred Wilson, President of the International Surfing Museum Board. "We are thrilled to open our new home with an exhibition that recognises one of the most significant milestones in surfing history."
Peter "PT" Townend's 1976 World Championship marked the beginning of organised professional surfing's world title era. His influence extended well beyond competition through decades of leadership, advocacy, commentary, coaching and ambassadorial work that helped elevate surfing on the international stage.
"I'm honoured to be part of this historic celebration," said Peter Townend. "Looking back over the past 50 years reminds us how far professional surfing has come and how many incredible people have contributed to its growth. It's exciting to celebrate that journey in the International Surfing Museum's beautiful new home."
The International Surfing Museum's move to its new location, with support from Visit Huntington Beach, forms part of the vision for the Huntington Beach Cultural Hub on the fifth block of Main Street. Alongside the Library and the Art Center, the new museum offers expanded gallery space, interactive exhibits, educational programming and enhanced opportunities to preserve and share surfing's remarkable heritage with visitors from around the world.
The anniversary exhibition is the first in a series of programmes recognising 50 years of professional world championship surfing and the athletes, innovators and visionaries who helped build the sport into a global cultural and athletic phenomenon.
Posted by: Visit Huntington Beach
Posted on: 28/07/2026