The Surfing History Project tells the story of a beached freighter which ran aground in Riviera Beach in the 60s and created perfect breaks.
Whether you love surfing or just enjoy local history, we highly recommend that you visit the Cason Cottage Museum this holiday season and take in the pleasures of “The Surfing History Project.”
The exhibit runs through Dec. 27 (closed Christmas Day) on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 and is well worth it.
The exhibit spans two buildings at the Delray Beach Historical Society, 111 N. Swinton Ave., and chances are you can get a personal tour from a local surfing legend. Many local surfers are hanging out at the exhibit to add color commentary.
We were fortunate to meet Tom Warnke, just crowned East Coast Champion in his age group, as our tour guide.
Tom has had a lifelong passion for surfing and is an eloquent spokesman for the sport’s rich history in Florida.
As we admired beautiful boards from the 50s, 60s and 70s, we got a primer in local surfing history.
At one time, the freedom to surf was a hot issue in Delray Beach and Palm Beach County, with lawsuits, landmark legal rulings and ardent debates at City Hall.
The exhibit includes old newspaper clippings focusing on the debate in Delray Beach, where the city’s fathers tried in vain to keep a lid on the sport with surfers and some of their mom’s weighing in with the need to let the kids ride.
Ultimately, the surfers prevailed, but the debate provides a quaint view into a bygone era.
Surfing has a rich history in Florida with the state producing champions who went on to worldwide acclaim.
In addition, it was big business.
Before it became a restaurant haven, Atlantic Avenue was the biggest seller of surf boards in the state and the industry created jobs. Several boards produced in Delray, including the legendary “Richie”, are on exhibit. They are beautiful works of art.
One surfing pioneer, Ron Heavyside, made his first board in shop class at the old Seacrest High School. He went on to found Nomad Surf Shops which is still in business.
The Surfing History Project hopes to find a permanent home and is modeling itself on a California museum which draws huge crowds. Possibilities include downtown West Palm Beach.
For more information, visit www.surfhistoryproject.com
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