Surfers and wave riders, in general, celebrate International Surfing Day (ISD) on the third Saturday of June. Time for surfers to be proud of their sport and help to keep our oceans and environment pure and protected.
International Surfing Day was established in 2005 by the Surfrider Foundation and other organizations.
Every year, surfers and surfing fans run contests, eco-friendly events, barbecues, film screenings, beach cleanups, and multiple ocean-based activities.
These celebrations are held all over the world. Until 2013, International Surfing Day was celebrated on two different dates.
The Surfrider Foundation ran one, and EuroSima put out the other one.
Today, the ISD is held annually on the third Saturday of June and engages thousands of surfers and activists from over 30 countries.
California has officially recognized International Surfing Day as a way of celebrating the Golden State's surfing heritage and the need to protect our oceans, waves, and beaches.
The United States has approximately 3.3 million surfers, who spend between $1.9 and $3.3 billion a year on local surf trips.
Planet Earth is home to nearly 40 million surfers, and the number has never stopped growing.
10 Celebration Tips for International Surfing Day (ISD)
So, how are you going to celebrate International Surfing Day? We've got ten tips and suggestions for a great day at and with the oceans.
- Go Surfing: The first thing you could do is get out there and ride some waves. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a complete beginner, there's no better day to surf than International Surfing Day. Enjoy what the ocean has to give, no matter how small or wind-affected it is;
- Share Waves: Invite friends and other surfers in the line-up to run a few party waves and share the stoke;
- Surf a New Spot: If you're an experienced surfer, take this day as an opportunity to explore a new surf spot. This could be a beach in your local area or even a surf trip to a destination you've never been before;
- Participate in a Beach Cleanup: Pick up some trash from the sand or collect a couple of plastics from the water on your way back after a session;
- Donate to a Nonprofit Surfing Organization: There are many organizations out there working to preserve our oceans and promote surfing. Consider making a donation to one of these non-profits. Make sure entities like the Surfrider Foundation can lobby for our oceans' integrity and help defend our coastlines;
- Share Your Surfing Stories: Use social media to share your best surfing stories or post a picture of your favorite surfing spot. This not only celebrates the sport but also encourages others to get involved;
- Learn More About the Oceans: Know why Planet Earth can't live with a balanced ecosystem and how pollution is killing saltwater bodies;
- Learn How a Wave is Generated: Get back to the source of the wave and improve your surf forecasting skills;
- Learn About Surf History and Culture: Spend some time learning about the history and culture of surfing, a surfer in particular, or about the science of waves. This could involve reading a book, watching a documentary, or visiting a surf museum;
- Get an Estimate of the Number of Waves You've Ridden: Do your math and reflect on how surfing changed your life;
Remember to respect the basic rules of surf etiquette - don't be a wave hog, don't drop in, and let other surfers have their fair share of fun.
Last but not least, have a beer with friends. Relax, enjoy the ocean vibes, and remember the best waves of your life;
Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com