Take a duck dive into the vibrant history of Florida’s surfing culture at the Florida Surf Museum. Explore an extensive collection of surfboards, memorabilia, and exhibits showcasing the evolution of Florida’s contribution to this global culture. Displays chronicle the pioneers, iconic surf breaks, and unique surf culture that thrives along Florida’s East Coast. Be inspired by the stories of surfing legends like Kelly Slater, CJ Hobgood, and Caroline Marks, leaving an indelible mark on the state’s surfing legacy.

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Ride the wave of history, from Cocoa Beach’s rich surfing origins to its presence on the global stage, and its reputation as the “small wave capital of the world”. The museum’s exhibits offer a deep dive into the evolution of surf culture in the Sunshine State and a journey through time with the museum’s chronological guide, providing insights into pivotal moments that shaped the sport here in Florida and its impact across the world.

Cocoa Beach’s Surfing Legacy

Cocoa Beach’s proximity to renowned surf breaks, like Sebastian Inlet State Park and Cape Canaveral Pier, make it one of the best areas in the state for surfing. Renowned for its consistent waves and warm waters, it has a vibrant surfing history dating back to the early 1900s. But much of what made Cocoa Beach the East Coast’s Surfing Capital was the Space Center. The large amount of young families moving to the area brought longboarders and others eager to try out this sport gripping the nation in the 50s and 60s. The Space Age and the Surfing Age met on Florida’s East Coast.

What makes this stretch of coastline perfect for a growing surf culture? A couple of things, actually. The laid-back atmosphere of the area fits in well with the culture of the sport. But what came first? The culture or the sport? That’s hard to tell. Another reason is the beach break. This stretch of beach has no rocks or reefs – only a shallow sand bar where beginners can walk into the surf. But because there’s all types of waves, more experienced surfers can have fun, too. And even the Cocoa Beach Pier has something to do with it. When a powerful nor’easter blows in, the Pier provides shelter from the wind and keeps the waves at a manageable size. And if Cocoa’s waves can turn a local kid into an 11-time Surfing World Champion, they must be pretty good.

With numerous surfing icons coming from the area (Gary Propper, Bruce Valluzi, Mike Tabeling, Claude Codgen, Greg Loehr, Jeff Crawford, Greg Mungall, Matt Kechele, Todd Holland, Lisa Anderson) you’d think it would be hard to stand out among them, but that’s exactly what Kelly Slater did.

Kelly Slater

Kelly Slater, born on February 11, 1972, in Cocoa Beach, Florida, is a surfing icon often considered the greatest surfer of all time. The son of a bait store proprietor, Kelly began surfing at the young age of five. By age 10, he was winning events all along the East Coast in his age division. At 12, he won his first age-division US Championship. His first world title came in 1992 when Kelly was only 20, making him the youngest world champion ever. He won again in 1994 and held the championship for an unprecedented 5 straight years after which he took a break from competitive surfing. Coming back in 2002, he was soon back in his championship form and returned to the top spot in 2005. He won his last world title in 2011 making him both the youngest and the oldest surfer to win. He holds the record for the most World Surf League (WSL) championships with 11 titles. Slater’s dominance spans multiple decades, and his innovative approach to surfing has significantly influenced the sport. Beyond surfing, he is known for his environmental activism and philanthropy. Slater’s impact extends to popular culture, earning him a place in the hearts of surf enthusiasts worldwide.

CJ & Damien Hobgood

CJ Hobgood, born on July 6, 1979, is a professional surfer from Melbourne Beach, Florida. Two more Florida East Coast surfers who started young, CJ and his twin brother, Damien Hobgood, are prominent figures in the surfing community. CJ turned pro in 1998 and was awarded Rookie of the Year. He gained widespread recognition by winning the World Surf League (WSL) championship in 2001 when he was crowned in an abbreviated season cut short due to the 9/11 tragedy. CJ’s career is marked by his competitive prowess and contributions to advancing the sport. His achievements, including the prestigious WSL title, solidify his status as a notable figure in the history of surfing.

Caroline Marks

Caroline Marks, born on February 14, 2002, in Boca Raton, Florida, is a rising star in women’s professional surfing. She made history by becoming the third surfer from the Space Coast, following in the footsteps of Kelly Slater and CJ Hobgood, to win a world title. She is also the youngest female to compete in a WSL event and the youngest surfer to qualify for the Women’s Championship Tour. Marks’ achievements include her remarkable performance on the World Surf League (WSL) tour, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport. Her success has elevated her to a prominent position in the global surfing scene.

Surfing Terms (So you don’t sound like a Gremmie out there)

Beach Break – Waves that break over sandbars
“Cocoa Beach” – Although Cocoa Beach only has 12 miles of coastline, the city’s name is often used as shorthand for a 72-mile stretch of Brevard County that includes Satellite Beach, Indiatlantic, Melbourne, and the State’s best-known surf spot, Sebastian Inlet
Duck Dive – the technique of pushing the surfboard under and through a breaking wave
Gremmie – a novice surfer or someone who is inexperienced
Hang Ten – To surf a wave with all ten toes on the nose of the surfboard
Point Break – a surf spot where waves bend along a rocky headland or point or into curved shorelines like a natural bay and peel either to the right or left
Reef Break – a surf spot where waves break over cobblestones, rocks, or coral seabed Tube – the hollow interior of a wave, also known as barrel or green room

Florida Surfing Museum FAQs

Is the museum only for surf enthusiasts? Not at all! It offers a rich cultural experience for anyone interested in Florida’s history and lifestyle.
Are guided tours available? Yes, providing in-depth understanding of exhibits and their historical significance.
Can I donate items? Absolutely! The museum welcomes relevant items, contributing to the preservation of Florida’s surf history.
Special events for children? Yes, with family-friendly events and educational programs.
Photography is allowed at the time of this writing.
Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

Nearby Attractions

Ron Jon’s Surf Shop

After immersing yourself in surf history, visit Ron Jon’s Surf Shop, the world’s largest. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a curious beginner, find everything from surfboards to stylish swimsuits, guided by knowledgeable staff. Ron Jon’s Surf Shop’s Legacy: Founded in 1961 in Long Beach Island, New Jersey, gained popularity with surfers and beachgoers alike. Two years later, founder Ron DiMenna headed to Florida where he opened the “One of a Kind” Ron Jon Surf Shop where it plays a significant role in shaping Cocoa Beach’s surfing scene. Florida Surf Museum’s Preservation: Located within Ron Jon’s complex, it preserves and shares the history of Florida’s surfing culture.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

This is the visitor center for NASA’s Kennedy Space Center located on Merritt Island, Florida, featuring exhibits, historic spacecraft, memorabilia from America’s space program, and bus tours to the spaceport.