International Surfing Museum Celebrates Grand Opening of New Location July 24

Opening Exhibition Celebrates 50 Years of Professional Surfing and the Legacy of First World Champion Peter “PT” Townend   WHAT: The International Surfing Museum celebrates its grand opening at the Main Street Library with a new exhibition, marking an exciting new chapter in preserving and celebrating the rich history of surfing in the heart of the destination synonymous with the sport. New Exhibit The inaugural exhibition, World Surfing League: 50 Years of Professional Surfing, commemorates the 50th anniversary of the world’s premier competitive surfing organization, known as the World Surf League (WSL). The exhibition features historic photographs, championship memorabilia, surfboards, archival footage, personal artifacts and never-before-displayed items that chronicle the evolution of professional surfing from its earliest days to the global phenomenon it is today. New Location The International Surfing Museum’s new location at the Main Street Library features expanded gallery space, interactive exhibits and educational programming. The museum is now part of the Huntington Beach Cultural Hub on the fifth block of Main Street by the Huntington Beach Art Center, a place where history and education are made accessible to the community and visitors from around the world. Recognizing First World Champion Visit Huntington Beach will also bestow a special gift to Peter “PT” Townend, the first-ever World Professional Surfing Champion in 1976, for his leadership, advocacy, commentary, coaching, and ambassadorial work that helped elevate surfing on the international stage.   WHO:                Tony Strickland, California state senator Janet Nguyen, Orange County Supervisor, First District Casey McKeon, Mayor of Huntington Beach Fred Wilson, Chairman of the International Surfing Museum Graham Stapelberg, World Surf League, Tour President John Urdi, President and CEO of Visit Huntington Beach Peter “PT” Townend, the first-ever World Professional Surfing Champion and Executive Director of the International Surfing Museum   WHEN:             Friday, July 24, 2026 3:30 p.m.          Media previews begin                         4:30 p.m.          Museum doors open to VIPs                         5:00 p.m.          Grand opening speeches begin and museum opens to public 7:00 p.m.          Event concludes