In the first of the Spring Lecture Series, Dr Sam Bleakley, guest curator of National Maritime Museum Cornwall’s new major exhibition, SURF!, reveals the processes and inspirations that helped form this ambitious exhibition on Thursday, April 3.

Ambitious to share the hidden histories of pioneer women in Cornish surfing, para surfing and blue health, Sam connects with the Cornish surf community gathering surfboard art, shaping tools, original magazines, world title trophies, vintage wetsuits and clothing from private collections.

Dr Sam Bleakley is a former professional surfer and European surf champion, now specialising in surf event broadcast commentary and researching and curating innovative work on surfing through writing, films and education.

Alongside a number of other titles, Sam is author of the best-selling book Mindfulness and Surfing: Reflections for Saltwater Souls and the editor of The Surfing Tribe: a History of Surfing in Britain. Sam is also an Associate Lecturer in Sustainable Tourism at Falmouth University.

Born and raised close to Land’s End, Sam is deeply connected to (and inspired by) the rich tradition of surfing in Cornwall.

Sam studied a BA and MA in Geography at Pembroke College, the University of Cambridge, and researched a PhD at Falmouth University (and the University of the Arts London) on travel writing and surf exploration in Haiti.

Sam also produces and presents an adventure activist series called Brilliant Corners documenting emerging surf communities, responsible tourism, action sports, and the power of surfing for social good around the world.

This lecture is taking place in person and online. It is part of National Maritime Museum Cornwall’s 2025 lecture series.

Other lectures in this series include Beyond the Break: Lucia’s Journey as a Global Surf Photographer with Lucia Griggi on May 1 and Intelligent Activism and Surfing as a Catalyst with Chris Hines on May 15.

For more information and to book tickets, visit: nmmc.co.uk/2024/12/curating-100-years-of-waveriding-in-cornwall-lecture/?