THE response to the surf history exhibition at Yarrila Place in Gordon Street continues to astound organisers.

“We’ve seen a steady stream of people enjoying Swell Chasers in the opening days, many coming back for a second visit as there’s so much to take in across the three galleries,” City of Coffs Harbour Planning and Communities Acting Director Ian Fitzgibbon said.

The Fluid Floor Talks that began earlier this month continue tomorrow, Saturday, at 10.30 am, featuring born and bred locals Geoff McSkimming and Noel Mackay.

They will share stories of how they became integral members of the early surf scene in Coffs Harbour as it went through the short-board revolution.

They not only witnessed their own peers rapidly develop into accomplished surfers but were also privy to constant influence of travelling surfers.

Alby Falzon of Eungai Creek, who was awarded an OAM for surfing and filmmaking, told News Of The Area that he loved the exhibition for its creativity, “including, and most importantly, Indigenous culture whose relationship with the natural world is a lesson for us all.

“What an amazing space this gallery and museum are. I have travelled all over the world and rate Yarrila Place very highly,” he said.

The exhibition’s popularity is expected to continue as numbers in Coffs Harbour swell over the Christmas holiday season.

“While the exhibition has an instant, compelling attraction for those invested in surf culture on the Mid North Coast, we expect that appeal to broaden as ‘beach season’ finds its sweet spot,” “Mr Fitzgibbon said.

The exhibition runs until Sunday, 2 February, 2025.

By Kim SATCHELL