The Australian National surfing Museum opened its doors in December 1993. Australia’s first dedicated surfing history museum was soon recognised by the International Surfing Association as “A place of surfing significance”. The ANSM is the largest museum of its kind anywhere in the world and is the only accredited surfing museum. The museum is dedicated to telling the story of Australian surfing through permanent displays and temporary exhibitions and is also the home of the Australian Surfing Hall of Fame which recognises significant Australian surfers and the contributions they have made to industry, sport and culture. The museum is run under the auspices of the Surf Coast Shire Council and managed by a team that combines full time paid staff and enthusiastic volunteers. Situated in the heart of Torquay’s Surf City precinct, the museum is open 9am-5pm 364 days a year and welcomes locals, visitors and international travelers keen to explore Australia’s rich surfing heritage.

Vision

To be the centre of Australian surfing heritage.

Purpose

To collect, preserve, document and share nationally and internationally significant items and stories of Australia’s surfing history and culture.

Values

Authenticity in the stories and information we share.
Inclusivity by representing the diversity of the Australian surfing community.
Sustainability – environmentally and economically.

STAFF

Kim Biggs

Coordinator – Arts & Creative Economy

Born and bred in Melbourne, Kim has a long association with the Surf Coast region and many fond memories of summers spent in Anglesea as a child.

Kim is a museum professional with a Bachelor of Arts (Visual Arts) and Post Graduate qualifications in Museum Studies supported by many years of professional experience in the museums, tourism and arts development industries. This includes five years as Museum Director of Shear Outback: The Australian Shearers Hall of Fame in the Riverina Region of NSW, and an ongoing affiliation with the NSW Regional Arts Development Network and over ten years as part of the NSW Regional Museum Advisors Network.

Kim joined the team in July 2021.

Evelyn Whitelaw

Coordinator – Arts & Creative Economy

Originally from Canberra, Evelyn spent her summers in the water at North Wollongong and Broulee. Evelyn is a museum and heritage professional with a Bachelor of Arts (History), Masters of Museums and Collections and a Masters of Cultural and Environmental Heritage (Honours). She came to the ANSM in 2019 from her role as Head of Public Programs for the National Library of Scotland, and has also worked for the National Museum of Australia, the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strair Islander Studies, the Australian National University and New Lanark UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Catherine Pyers

Team Leader

Catherine is a museum leader with 20+ years creating captivating exhibitions. Her Masters in Cultural Heritage (Museum Studies), Post-Graduate Diploma of Visual Culture and Diploma in Interior Design fuel her mind and creativity. Leading projects at places such as the Australian Centre for the Moving Image and the State Library of Victoria to name a couple, she has tackled everything from major blockbuster exhibitions to creating engaging kids’ spaces and small museum fine-tuning. Although not a surfer herself (family trips to Warrnambool each and every school holidays growing up, sparked her love of the ocean!), she thrives in collaborative environments, keeping projects on track and budgets happy.

Craig Baird

Curator

Craig Baird started his involvement with the surfing industry the day he left school, first managing the Piping Hot surf shop, then a twenty six year career painting surfboards for Rip Curl, Watercooled and other

prominent Victorian surfboard labels. He has worked alongside many of the world’s most celebrated surfboard shapers and had his work has appeared under the feet of some of the world’s best surfers. Craig started work at the museum in 1994 as a content specialist but also puts his event management, museums training and creative talents to great use to help share the story of Australian surfing.

Rita Lahtinen

Tours & Programs Officer

Rita Lahtinen is an artist and community organiser with 12 years of experience. She holds a Bachelor of English Literature and Masters of Science in Law, and is currently undertaking her creative, practice-based PhD in surfing. Rita is an avid skater and surfer who loves art, teaching kids and organising educational community events. Looking forward, she envisions her career continuously supporting girls and women, especially in surfing and other creative fields.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

Stopped in on a weekend away. I was really impressed with the items in the collection and didn't realise surfing was such an old craft. I learned a lot about the history of surfing, the evolution of the boards and the technology that goes into making a great board. We spent about 1.5 hours in the museum but there us a 90 minute feature film that shows in the theatre, so allow more time if you want to watch the whole thing.

Annie Lamb
26/03/2023

Wenn Surfing interessiert, dann ist dieses Museum ein Must, das Thema wird spannend präsentiert und mit Viedos untermalt

Ruedi Vogt
20/03/2023

Well worth the few bucks to head in and see, fantastic service at the counter on the way in which sets the mood for the whole experience

Robert Bridge
20/03/2023
Great place to go.

Janet Williams
27/02/2023

A must see in Torquay

murat oldaç
27/02/2023

Really well done, although the entry fee of ~$12.50 was a little steep I thought. If they don't have government funding they definitely deserve it

Asher Middleton
27/01/2023
Great History of Surfing

Michael Lappen
27/01/2023

Très bien mais je pense qu'il faut être fan de surf pour l'apprécier d'autant plus car il y a beaucoup de chose à lire et de références.

Hugo Llorens
27/12/2022

Absolutely awesome history on Australian surfing. Highly recommended!

Alex Wadsworth
27/08/2022