Catch the Wave: Celebrate International Surfing Day!
Summer is upon us, and that means it’s time to celebrate one of the coolest days of the year—International Surfing Day! Held annually on the third Saturday of June, this day is all about honoring the joy of surfing and our beautiful oceans. So, wax your board, grab your sunscreen, and let’s dive into the fun ways you can celebrate this awesome day, even if you’re not a surfer!
The Story Behind International Surfing Day
International Surfing Day was founded in 2005 by the Surfrider Foundation and Surfing Magazine to raise awareness about the sport and the ocean environment. It’s a day dedicated not only to the thrill of catching waves but also to protecting the beaches and oceans that make this sport possible. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a beach bum, this day is for you!
Easy and Fun Ways to Celebrate
Catch a Wave 🌊
If you’re a surfer, there’s no better way to celebrate than hitting the waves. Find your favorite surf spot, invite some friends, and spend the day riding the swells. New to surfing? Many beaches offer beginner lessons—there’s no time like the present to learn!
Beach Clean-Up 🗑️
Give back to the environment that gives us so much joy. Organize or join a beach clean-up. It’s a fantastic way to meet fellow ocean lovers and make a positive impact. Plus, the beach will look even more beautiful when you’re done.
Picnic by the Sea 🧺
Pack a picnic basket with your favorite snacks, a big blanket, and enjoy a relaxing day by the shore. Listen to the waves, feel the sand between your toes, and soak up the sunshine. Don’t forget to bring plenty of water and sunscreen!
Sandcastle Contest 🏰
Unleash your inner child and build some epic sandcastles. Challenge your friends or family to a sandcastle contest. You’d be surprised how fun it is to get creative with sand and seaweed decorations.
Surf Movies and Chill 🎬
If the weather’s not great or you prefer a more laid-back celebration, host a surf movie marathon. Classics like “The Endless Summer” or “Point Break” can transport you to the beach from the comfort of your living room.
Try Beach Yoga 🧘♀️
Start the day with a beach yoga session. The sound of the waves and the fresh sea breeze create a perfect backdrop for some morning stretches and meditation. It’s a serene way to connect with nature.
Get Crafty 🎨
Gather some beach treasures like shells, driftwood, and sea glass and turn them into beautiful crafts. Whether it’s a necklace, a picture frame, or a piece of art, let your creativity shine.
Why It Matters
International Surfing Day isn’t just about fun in the sun; it’s a reminder of our connection to the ocean and our responsibility to protect it. Oceans cover over 70% of our planet and are home to an incredible array of life. By celebrating this day, we raise awareness about the importance of ocean conservation and inspire others to take action.
International Surfing Day with Sunrise Shack
We were lucky enough to chat with Travis, one of the founders of Sunrise Shack and ask him some questions about his time on the water, some of his favorite memories, and any advice he has for anyone looking to take the water! Let's check it out...
What's your favorite surf spot or beach that you've had the pleasure of visiting and why?
"My favorite surf spot in the whole world is banzai pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu. The reason why I like it so much is because the beach is so amazing and the wave itself is one of the best in the world. It’s right off the shoreline it’s a left and a right And it’s as scary as any Surfer would want it. It’s also one of the most highly rewarding waves on the planet."
What does surf culture / connection to the beach look like to you?
"Surf culture and a connection to the beach lifestyle has been in my blood since a baby. I’ve been around it my whole life and I’m sure I’ll be around it until the day I die. It really means a lot to me and I love it so much connecting into the ocean, being under the sun and enjoying the surf are some of the best qualities of life."
What advice would you say to someone just starting to learn surfing?
"Any words of encouragement? Learning how to surf can take a long time, but it is totally worth it half of the learning experience comes from the balance on the board, and the other half comes from your knowledge with the ocean, the ocean acts in certain ways and patterns it can become predictable, the more you learn it Spent as much time as you can in the ocean and you’ll start to learn it be patient and enjoy the journey."
Without the ocean, there's no surf. What sustainable habits can people take on to ensure we can maintain ocean health for generations to come?
I feel like to eliminate as much waste in your life as possible. I also pick up a lot of trash on a regular basis, and I educate the people around me to do the same. I really like the concept of try to find three pieces of trash every time you visit the beach. I really love what one clean ocean is doing right now. They are cleaning out my trash out of the ocean than anyone and it’s beautiful to see.
What's your Sunrise Shack order?
"This is a hard one. I feel like I’ve eaten at the Sunrise Shack more than anybody and still to this day. My favorite smoothie bowl is half blue dream half Acai with Mac not butter on top."
Where is your dream surf spot that you hope to visit some day or have visited?
"I would really like to start doing wave exploration and find new waves that nobody has surfed before. there’s so many waves out there, so many undiscovered coast lines. It’s really mind blowing to think about."
So, whether you’re surfing the waves or simply enjoying the beach vibes, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of our oceans and commit to keeping them clean and healthy.
Grab your board, your friends, and your love for the sea—let’s make this International Surfing Day the best one yet!
