INTERNATIONAL SURFING DAY

International Surfing Day June 20

INTERNATIONAL SURFING DAY

Today is June 17 on the National Day Calendar and we are celebrating International Surfing Day. This gnarly International Day celebrates surfing and it's lifestyle, plus brings awareness to beaches and coastal environments around the world.  With events scheduled on International Surfing Day in more than 30 countries, this certainly shows the impact of the sport.

#SURFINGDAY

Surfing refers to the ability of riding a wave,  no matter if the surfer is using a board or not.  It also does not matter what the stance is, as long as the person is "riding a wave".  In modern times, most surfers are found standing on a surfboard as they navigate a wave.

Surfing was a significant part of the Polynesian culture for centuries. Europeans observed people surfing in Tahiti in 1767 and again in 1769.  In the journals of Captain James Hook, 1779, by Lieutenant James King, the art of surfing on Hawaii is mentioned.  Mark Twain even made mention of it when writing about a trip to Hawaii in 1866.

This global event includes barbecues, film screenings, surf contests and other activities related to surfing.  Participants also work on projects to promote coastal protection including beach clean ups and habitat restoration.

CELEBRATE BY HITTING THE WAVES

  1. Learn how to surf or teach someone how to surf.

  2. Participate in any of the scheduled events or start your own.

  3. Make a donation to support the Surfrider mission.  

  4. Use #SurfingDay when using social media.

HISTORY OF INTERNATIONAL SURFING DAY

International Surfing Day was started in 2004 by the Surfrider organization as an international effort to celebrate the love of surfing. The day also encourages surfers to raise awareness and support for the world's beaches and coastal environments.

Related days on the National Day Calendar

NATIONAL BEACH DAY – August 30