Why a museum?
The history of surfing in Virginia Beach is the stuff of legend. Literally. It goes back to the early 20th Century and is heavily rooted in our city’s seafaring heritage, lifesaving and ocean rescue institutions, and of course, the sheer love of the sport.
This question is EXACTLY what the VBISM will answer when it comes into being!
Why Here? Why in Virginia Beach?
Well, for starters — in 2021, the Coastal Edge East Coast Surfing Championships presented by VANS (affectionally known as “ECSC”) became THE WORLD’S longest-running surfing contest!
Sponsored in modern times by Coastal Edge and VANS, (and by legendary shops like Wave Riding Vehicles, 17th Steet, Corner 24, Freedom Surf, Pete Smith’s Surf Shop, and many others back-in-the-day) the ECSC had long been only one year behind the Bells Beach event as reckoned by consecutive contests.
However, in 2021, Bells Beach was suspended due to the Australian government’s mandated COVID-19 lockdown. ECSC, however, was produced again for the 59th time by the Virginia Beach Jaycees, thus eclipsing the event down under.
There are countless more reasons why Virginia Beach is perfectly suited for this role.
Until the museum opens its doors, here are a few resources where you can learn more about the legacy of surfing in Virginia Beach:
• The East Coast Surfing Championships (ECSC)
• Virginia Beach Surfing: Past & Present by Virginia Beach CVB
• East Coast Surfing
• Virginia Beach Search & Rescue Museum
• Wikipedia ECSC
• Sandbridge Realty History of Va. Beach Surfing
• Winners of ECSC 1963-2011
• USAToday How Va. Beach Became a Surfing Destination
• Sports Illustrated, 7/18/66 – Riding the Wave of the East Coast’s Surfing Boom
How will this surfing museum be different than any other?
It will show and tell the fascinating story about the indelible influence that the East Coast — and Virginia Beach especially — have had on the international surfing scene!
Where will it be located?
That’s currently being discussed by a number of interested parties, including the VBISM Board. Several options have been proposed:
1) incorporate within an existing museum
2) create an annex added onto a public building;
3) purchase an existing building in the resort area and renovate it;
4) buy a parcel of land for new construction from the ground-up;
5) rent or lease space in a suitable commercial property
6) agree to incorporate it into a future attraction or public-private space
7) It’s still too early to tell – but we welcome ideas from the public
What will the museum contain?
This question isn’t as simple as it seems. While the vision of the museum would naturally include historic artifacts, a collection of long and short surfboards, surf art and memorabilia, static and interactive displays, digital recordings of past surf contests at the Jetty or Old Steel Pier, etc.
• But it might also include virtual or augmented reality displays, immersive experiences, surf technology demonstrations, live docents or self-guided/self-paced tours with recorded narration, a movie theater or lecture hall for talks and presentations.
• Other options might be working features such as a board shaping workshop, a graphic art design studio, a casual surf fashion design studio and of course a retail store/gift shop.
• Perhaps even a Hall of Fame!
The possibilities are endless.
Who will pay to create the museum?
This is something that the VBISM Board is working on. One thing’s for sure, it’ll have to be a result of partnership and cooperation between a LOT of people, government entities and organizations. Local businesses, corporate sponsors, local-state governments and perhaps even federal entities, grant-making foundations will also play a role. All resources will be called upon to make this vision a reality!
Will it cost to tour the museum, or will it be free?
It’s WAY too early to make a decision on that. Together, we’ll all just have to work through that once plans begin to fall into place.
