Collecting the Coast’s beloved surf history

Nirvana Surfboards at Kincumber in the 1980s

Chris Taylor of Canton Beach has started an online forum on Facebook for the community to share their memorabilia, photos and stories about surf culture on the Central Coast in the hopes of creating a dedicated surf museum.

Taylor said the idea came to him in lockdown which prompted him to look into the Coast’s history with surfing, talking to friends and family about their experiences, and connecting with other surfing afficionados with stories and memorabilia.

Anthony Parry surfing at Terrigal in 1950

“I started talking to surfboard shapers and surfboard shop owners about the history of surfing here on the coast and they shared photos and memorabilia.

“I started the Surf Museum forum at the start of this year on Facebook and Instagram for people to share their memories and photos.

“I’ve received quite a lot of things, it’s an open forum for the community where anyone can make posts and share their stories, people are also tagging my account on Instagram where I can reupload their photos.

“One day I want to take all of this content into a physical space, whether it be my shed or in a rented space, that’s the goal,” Taylor said.

Since creating the Facebook group in February, it has accrued 1,500 members sharing photos of surfers, old surf boards, old news articles and old pictures of Central Coast beaches.

People looking to contribute content can find the group called Central Coast Surf Museum, or tag
@centralcoastsurfmuseum in their photos on Instagram.

Alternatively, content can be emailed to Taylor at aussiesurfer@live.com, or via mobile on 0424 552 699.

Harry Mulholland