The long and short of surfboards

Surf design is getting a retrospective look at the California Heritage Museum.

When surfing got big in the 1960s, the boards got small. Maneuverable “shortboards” revolutionized surfing, allowing surfers to move freely in waves and test out new moves. The California Heritage Museum explores shortboard-making in Surfboard Revolution: Surf Design 1967-1984.

The exhibit features 70 antique boards from such surf icons as Tom Blake, George Greenough and Miki Dora. As shortboards evolved, the different styles created were given names like “Pintails,” “Guns” and “Wingers.” A 1980s-style shaping room has been set up for the exhibit, and shapers like Bob Hurley and Nathan Pratt will occasionally stop in to work on new boards. Surfing photos and magazine covers from the period round out the display.

The California Heritage Museum is located in the historic landmark Roy Jones House at 2612 Main Street in Santa Monica. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. General admission is $8, $5 for students and seniors, and free for kids under 12.

Posted 1/19/12