The San Diego State University Library’s new 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 traveling exhibit blends scientific inquiry with the popular sport of surfing, encouraging students and other visitors to explore the connection between education and sport, between science and recreation.
Funded by a City of Oceanside Covid-19 Nonprofit Grant, the exhibit comes to the library from the . Business Librarian and long-time surfer Tim 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,” said California Surfing Museum President Jim Kempton.
Tully said, “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,” he continued. “I hope this encourages our diverse student body to discover surfing.”
Students and faculty involved in the and the 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 Surfing and Sustainability (GEN S 100).
The exhibit is in the University Library at the end of Donor Hall, between the Dome and Love Library, and is available during regular . It will be open until the start of winter break, Dec. 24.