Thursday, July 31, 2014

The History of Surfboards is Celebrated in a Museum Exhibit

Fans of surfing know that surfing is more than just a sport.  Surfing has always sparked its own culture.  Surf culture has impacted language, fashion, food and art. Surfboard designs are often so intricate and beautiful that people hang their surfboards on the wall as art.

The Mingei International Museum is San Diego is celebrating the beauty of the surfboard as well as the long and fascinating history of the sport of surfing itself.  The surfboard exhibit which opened on June 21st, is called "Surf Craft: Design and the Culture of Board Riding."  The one-of-a-kind exhibit will be on display until January 11, 2015.  The exhibit will be accompanied by the publishing of a photography book of the same title.

Dawn Levesque writes about the exhibit and the amazing history of surfing in her Guardian Liberty Voice article "Surfboards: Design and Culture Exhibit at San Diego Museum,"
"In 1778, the crew members of Captain James Cook’s HMS Discovery became the first recorded Europeans to witness the art of surfing during a stay in Hawaii. Almost 100 years later, Mark Twain recorded surfing in Roughing It, when he told of almost catching a wave, but not being able to time it right. “None but natives ever master the art of surf-bathing thoroughly,” he commented in 1872."
Surfing enthusiasts will love seeing this exhibit that shows the evolution of American surfing, as well as displaying obscure primitive surfboards from England, Japan and Africa.

Whether your interest in surfboards is professional, recreational, or just as an art and culture enthusiast, the Mingei exhibit should be an exciting display.

If you'd rather hit the waves than study the history of surfing, contact us to purchase all your modern surf culture necessities. We sell surfboards, clothing, accessories, shoes and surfing equipment. We are passionate about surfing and excited to help outfit you for a day at the beach.

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