Science of Surfing Exhibit
Come explore the connections between science and the advancement of modern surfing!
The Science of Surfing exhibit highlights wave energy, tides, types of surf breaks and conditions, and stewardship of our oceans through charts, diagrams, photographs, art, and videos. It also explores different surfboard designs and engineering. The exhibit blends scientific inquiry with the popular sport of surfing, encouraging students to explore the connection between education and sport, between science and recreation.
Business Librarian and long-time surfer Tim Tully has brought this exhibit to the library from the California Surf Museum. This traveling exhibit was funded by a City of Oceanside Covid-19 Nonprofit Grant. Tully hopes this is the first of many collaborations between the museum and SDSU.
“While modern science is forever looking for explanations of what goes on in the natural world, modern-day surfers have been at the ready to apply this knowledge where they can in advancing in the art of riding waves,” says California Surf Museum President Jim Kempton.
Tully says, “I hope this exhibit inspires students to learn more about the technical details of surfing. This is a great way to show how engineering, design, natural sciences, and craft all come together. There are also issues of social justice and environmental sustainability to explore. We are a coastal school - there are even surfboard storage in some of our dorms. I hope this encourages our diverse student body to discover surfing. After all, coastal people throughout history and all over the world ride the waves, and I think everyone here should too!”
Students and faculty involved in the Surf and Skate Collaborative and the Center for Surf Research are using the exhibit as part of their studies this semester. In addition to being the Business Librarian, Tully is part of the Surf and Skate Collaborative and teaches GEN S 100 “Surfing and Sustainability.”
The exhibit is in the University Library at the end of Donor Hall, between the Dome and Love Library, and is available during regular library hours.
The exhibit will be open until the start of winter break, and everyone is invited to stop by and learn more about the intersection of science and surfing. If the exhibit inspires you to learn to surf, Exercise and Nutritional Sciences offers classes at the Mission Bay Aquatic Center.
