Summer of Surf in North Devon as UKs first Surfing Museum Opens
31/05/2011
The Museum of British Surfing is to officially open for the first time at its new home at Braunton near Barnstaple in North Devon on Good Friday.
The museum which is the first and largest dedicated surfing museum in Europe, showcases the UK's surfing heritage. It has been searching for a permanent exhibition space for its collection of surfboards, wetsuits, photography and memorabilia after running a series of touring exhibitions across the UK for many years.
The Museum will be launching its inaugural exhibition at its new home in Braunton with the "Art of Surf" exhibition which displays 200 years of art in surfing from sketches of early explorers through to works by contemporary British surfing artists.
The founder of the Museum of British Surfing, Peter Robinson says that he is delighted that museum has now found a home in North Devon and he is very grateful for the support he has received for the museum and new exhibition; " We could not have done it without the amazing support from surfers not from just around the UK but around the world- donating items and money as the Museum's charitable trustees."
As well as the "Art of Surf" exhibition which runs until Christmas, the museum also features British surfing history with photographs and memorabilia, including some rare images of the world famous crime writer Agatha Christie who was a keen surfer.
For more details about the Museum of British Surfing and admission times and charges click here
The history of surfing in North Devon will be featured at the museum as the area is renowned for its magnificent unspoilt beaches and surf which attract thousands of dedicated surfers and water sports enthusiasts to the area each year.
Croyde will be the destination in June for the GoldCoast Oceanfest surf and music festival (June 15-17) where 20 bands entertain the crowds at the height of mid-summer at a breathtaking location. As well as top names in the world of surf music such as Ben Howard and Newton Faulkner who will be headlining the event, there will be 3 days of amazing water sports events on the beach and in the sea. From top iron man and surf lifesaving athletes to novice surfers and children, there are a wide range of sports and adrenalin-fuelled events on offer for all abilities. From beach volleyball, beach soccer, paddle racing, to iron man and diamond woman competitions as well as BMX and skate displays. There is a festival village and the opportunity to enjoy some cut price surfing lessons.
