Welcome to Surf World Gold Coast

Our surfing and beach culture museum originated as an idea among local Gold Coast surfers, photographers, board makers and collectors over a decade ago. In the mid 1990s Daryl Barnett who owned Retrogroove, a vintage surf shop in Coolangatta and was one of the prime motivators for the museum, asked Mal Sutherland a local surfing photographer for some historical photos, as there was a possibility that a surfing museum could go up on Kirra Hill in the old Coolangatta State School. This conversation was the catalyst for Mal to get involved. Others involved included collector Carl Tanner, owner of Finch Swimwear, and Darryl “Von Weirdo” Miller, artist, collector, dealer and character, both of whom along with Daryl Barnett had significant collections of boards and surfing memorabilia and were looking for somewhere to put it on display.

The late Gold Coast City Councillor Sue Robbins became aware of these conversations and was working in conjunction with Daryl Barnett to find a suitable venue. On her passing, her sister-in-law Councillor Chris Robbins continued in the quest for a surfing museum for the southern Gold Coast and the reason we are now established is largely due to her efforts. Mal Sutherland is now the museum’s inaugural Chairman. With the interest and support from the local council, peak surfing bodies, surfing, tourism & education industries and local community the museum is now a reality opening its doors in June 2009.

The result is a collection of over 100 surfboards dating from 1915 to the present days latest technology, photography, cinematography, artwork, clothing and other artifacts, all located on the 1st Floor, 35 Tomewin Street, Currumbin. We hope that what you’ll discover today will offer a fascinating look into the rich history of surfing in Australia and particularly that of Queensland and the Gold Coast.

Please call in for a visit – you will not be disappointed.

 

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