International Surf Shop Day on 16 May 2026 is a chance to celebrate the specialist shops that have kept wave-riding alive.
Cornwall's Atlantic coastline, powerful swells, and fiercely independent spirit have made it a natural home of surf culture, with some of the finest surf shops, shapers, and surfers in Europe.
Here at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, we've been celebrating that heritage in our major exhibition, SURF! which tells the story of 100 years of waveriding in Cornwall. The exhibition includes a recreation of the legendary Bilbo Surf Shop, the 1960s Newquay store that supplied the first boards and wax to a generation of wave-riders.
We've been inspired by that same spirit in our gift shop, reimagined to reflect the world of SURF! with a collection that celebrates Cornwall's surf heritage while looking firmly to the future.
You'll find Dick Pearce wooden bellyboards, bespoke exhibition apparel, One Blue Eye recycled beach plastic accessories, Ocean Bottles, Shaka keyrings, Candylab wooden surf wagon toys, and surf books including Mindfulness and Surfing by Dr. Sam Bleakley and Women Making Waves by Lara Einzig, plus the latest Carve and SurfGirl magazines.
Falmouth's Independent Surf Shops
No International Surf Shop Day is complete without supporting the brilliant independents that keep surf culture alive. Falmouth punches well above its weight so here's our suggested route through the town to celebrate International Surf Shop Day.
Start in our Gift Shop for your One Blue Eye shaka keyring made in Cornwall and something from the SURF! clothing collection.
Then head to Finisterre, one of our exhibition partners, making kit for people who love the sea. You'll find staff who can talk you through everything from technical gear to casual wear at Sessions Surf & Skate. Freeriders, has been in Falmouth since 1998, has one of the finest board selections in the area, then end your shop hop at Roma Surf, celebrating timeless surf culture with a curated selection of boards, accessories, and a genuine love of craft.
Come for the exhibition, stay for the gift shop. Then show some love to the independent shops that have kept Cornwall surfing!