August 12, 2026

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In a region where the ocean deities are venerated and feared, Souleymane Sidibé is one of the pioneers of a new era for surfing in Côte d'Ivoire.

In two weeks!

Wednesday, August 26

The Rising Dawn

Admission:

$5 for California Surf Museum Members

$10 General Admission

Doors open at 6pm

Film screening begins about 6:30pm

To RSVP, please call 760-721-6876

This film tells Souleymane Sidibé's story of surfing the Ivory Coast as the nation’s most talented surfer. In a region where the ocean’s deities are worshiped and feared, he pioneers the country’s emerging surf culture, inspires youth to overcome inequality and cultural barriers to access the transformative power of surfing and pushes the limit of the sport in his country. The film uncovers untamed waves, the vibrant communities shaping the country’s surf culture and immerses viewers in this fascinating movement when both a conservative country and a controversial sport attempt to get up and ride the next wave. The film examines the dynamics of colonialism, youth empowerment and culture through the lens of surfing.

Click here to read more and view the trailer.

Run time 60 minutes.

New date to come!

Divine Surf

Five Decades of Surf Action & Culture 

Talk story and book signing with photographer Jeff Divine

Free Admission for California Surf Museum Members

$5 General Admission

Doors open at 6pm

Book talk begins about 6:30pm

To RSVP, please call 760-721-6876

Five decades of surfing captured through the lens of legendary photographer Jeff Divine, showcasing his most iconic and never-before-seen images that chronicle the sport’s spirit from its mid-1960s subculture roots to its mainstream rise. Beginning in La Jolla in 1965, Divine documented surfing’s evolution from a close-knit subculture into a global phenomenon, building one of the sport’s most significant visual archives.

This career-spanning collection brings together his most iconic photographs alongside rare, never-before-seen images. From California’s golden 1960s and 1970s surf scene to Hawaii’s heavy North Shore swells, and from South Africa to Tahiti, Divine’s lens reveals the beauty, style, and attitude that shaped generations of surfers. His work also traces early explorations of remote surf frontiers, capturing the thrill of discovery long before these destinations were widely known.

Books will be available for purchase and signing.

Wednesday, September 23

Swami’s Vibe

Surf docu-musical directed by J. Stuart Edmondson and produced by JSE and Hall of Fame songwriter Jack Tempchin

At the Brooks Theater, 217 North Coast Hwy., Oceanside — just a block from the California Surf Museum

Admission to come.

Doors open at 6pm

Film screening begins about 6:30pm

To RSVP, please call 760-721-6876

Filmed over more than 20 years at Swami’s Reef in Encinitas, this film offers an uplifting, feel-good tone with a subtle spiritual dimension rooted in the park’s Self-Realization Fellowship heritage. It blends cinematic wave riding action sports visuals with character-driven documentary storytelling and an original, era-spanning soundtrack created specifically for the project.

Run time 82 minutes.

18th Annual Gala Fundraiser

Sunday, November 22

3-8pm

Seabird Resort and Spa
101 Mission Ave. • Oceanside

Justine Dupont, Cortes Bank. Photo: Frank Quirarte

2026 Silver Surfer Honorees

Breaking the Banks:

Big Wave Pioneers of Cortes Bank

Brad Gerlach

Greg Long

Mike Parsons

Justine Dupont


Some waves become legendary.

Some surfers dare to go where few have gone before.

This November, the California Surf Museum

brings those stories together for an unforgettable evening.

Honorary Chairs: 2025 Silver Surfers

Wingnut and Pat O'Connell

Tickets now available! Click here for more information and to purchase tickets. 

See videos of interviews with previous honorees on California Surf Museum’s YouTube.

Exhibit Hall Admission

Adults: $10

Seniors (65+), Military, Students: $8

Kids 11 and under: Free

CSM Members: Free

Not a California Surf Museum Member? Need to renew your membership?

Click to join or renew today!

Get free admission to the Exhibit Hall and reduced rates to most events!

The California Surf Museum Exhibit Hall is Open

10am-4pm Daily

NOW ON EXHIBIT

Click here to read about these exhibits online.

• Surfriding: Hawaiian Royalty’s Gift to the World
• California Surf Museum Celebrates 40 Years of Waves, Stories and People!
• Wave Science: Coastal Data Information Program (CDIP)
• A Brief History of Surfboards: from Wood to Foam and Fiberglass and on to Space-Age components
• Courageous Inspiration: Bethany Hamilton
• A. R. Gurrey, Jr. Surf Photography Competition winning photos
• Making Waves: Victoria and Valerie Duprat
• Bodysurfing: Fins and Handplanes

Be sure to check out surfmuseum.org!

There’s always lots to see!

Click here to see past issues of the California Surf Museum’s newsletter OUTSIDE! going back to 2007! We still have more to upload.

Take a look around past events in the Event Archive.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok!

And don’t forgot to follow the California Surf Museum on YouTube! Lots to see there too! Including videos from past events and the very popular “Jan and Dean Sidewalk Surfin’” video.

Shop the California Surf Museum Store!

Our Museum Store is stocked up with lots of unique merchandise both in store and online! Click here to shop online (California Surf Museum members: be sure to call in your order to get your 10% discount on California Surf Museum-branded store merchandise).

Remember, memberships always make great gifts -- click here -- or click here to renew your membership today! Besides 10% off on California Surf Museum-branded store merchandise, members get free admission to our exhibit hall, and free or reduced admission to our Big Wednesdays and other in-house events.

Already a member? Be sure to share the stoke by sharing your guest passes with your friends and family!

Mission Statement

The California Surf Museum serves as an international repository and resource center on the lifestyle sport of surfing by capturing, preserving, and chronicling its art, culture and heritage for the education and enjoyment of current and future generations.