Surf World Gold Coast originated as an idea among local Gold Coast surfers, photographers, board makers and collectors in the mid 1990s
including collector Carl Tanner, the owner of Finch Swimwear who has the most significant collection of boards and surfing memorabilia and was looking for somewhere to showcase the display along with Daryl Beans Barnett, and Darryl “Von Weirdo” Miller, artist, collector, dealer and character plus a cast of various others.

Mal Sutherland became the museum’s inaugural Chairman and the inaugural Patron was Australian pioneering shaper Joe Larkin. The resulting momentum and support from the Gold Coast City Council and Councilors Sue Robbins, Chris Robbins and since then also Councillor Gail O'Neill enabled Surf World Gold Coast to open its doors in 2009, and the result is a collection of over 100 surfboards dating from 1915 to the present day plus photos, artwork, clothing and other artifacts.

Our current patron since 2017, Peter Harris, was chosen by his predecessor, Joe Larkin.

Peter is also the curator of SurfWorld’s collection

Peter Harris is an ex-professional surfer from Burleigh Heads who has been collecting surfboards and researching the history of surfing and surfboard design extensively for over 35 years. He was a founding member of the Burleigh Boardriders Club’s reformation and He was taught to shape by Michael Peterson and Dick Van Straalen, and has maintained a strong interest in surfboard design throughout his life.

In his competitive career, he was Rookie of the Year in his first year on the circuit, also becoming the first rookie to win a major—the Stubbies Classic at Burleigh Heads. He was also an invitee and finalist at the prestigious Duke Kahanamoku Invitational, held at Waimea Bay.

Peter shaped boards through the mid to late 1970s and early 1980s, and although now in his 60s, he continues to surf daily and curate the museum as part of our team.

Chairman: Rod Brooks
Secretary: Angela Collins
Treasurer: Bill Scholar
Patron: Peter Harris
Volunteer Coordinator: Margo Chapman
Volunteer Representative: David Reik
IT Support Officer: Geoff Chapman