BREA : Waves Are Miles Away, but Surf Is Still Up

Turn-of-the-century bathing suits, a motorized surfboard, the original Boogie board and dozens of classic wood longboards are among the unusual, rare and sometimes humorous items currently on display at “Cowabunga: The Beach Hits Brea,” a show that examines California’s beach culture from an anthropological viewpoint.

The exhibit, which runs through July 28 at the Brea Gallery and features several special events, covers the development of surfing, skateboarding, swimming, roller skating, and even kite flying and sandcastle building. Informational signs throughout the gallery give overviews of the history and growth of the sports.

In the “Then and Now” section, visitors can track the progression of beach-related technology: an 1884 roller skate with wooden wheels is placed next to a 1995 Rollerblade in-line skate, a wooden Hawaiian surfboard from the early 1900s is juxtaposed with a 1995 Progressive Thruster fiberglass and foam competition board.

The exhibit also traces the history of the bathing suit, from its scratchy wool beginnings to the skimpy modern-day bikini.

Special events are scheduled through next month at the gallery, at 1 Civic Center Circle.

* Today: U.S. Open longboard champion Colin McPhillips will speak and autograph posters from 3 to 5 p.m.

* June 17: Surf cartoonist Bob Penuelas (a.k.a. Wilbur Kookmeyer) will speak and display his latest work from noon to 2 p.m.

* June 23: Movie maker Hal Jepsen will narrate his classic surf film “Longboarder,” and preview “Longboarder 2.” Admission is $3.50.

* July 9: Learn to design and make a stunt kite from noon to 2 p.m. The fee is $3 for Brea residents and $8 for others.

* July 12: Surf legends Dale Velzy and Mickey Munoz talk about experiences on the international surfing circuit from noon to 2 p.m.

* July 21: Inventor Tom Morey and Steve Pezman, editor of Surfer’s Journal magazine, will talk about changes in the sport of surfing over the years.

The Brea Gallery is open from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday and is closed Monday and Tuesday. Regular admission is $1.

Information: (714) 990-7730.