June 21

International Surfing Day

Hit the waves and celebrate International Surfing Day! Grab your board and enjoy a day of fun in the sun!

Yearly Date
Third Saturday in June
Type
Day

Introduction

Grab your board and join the world in celebrating International Surfing Day on the third Saturday of June! This annual event has been celebrated since 2004, when it was created to honor the global surfing community and its love for the sport. The day is also a great opportunity to raise awareness about issues such as ocean conservation, beach clean-ups, and more. Whether you’re an experienced surfer or just starting out, this is the perfect time to get out there and catch some waves!

International Surfing Day Timeline

1769
First Surfing Account
Explorer James Cook's third officer Lieutenant James King provides the first written account of surfing, observed in Hawaii.
1907
Surfing Introduced to California
George Freeth traveled from Hawaii to California and demonstrated surfing, sparking interest and popularity for the sport in the US mainland.
1920
Duke Kahanamoku Popularity
The 'father of modern surfing', Duke Kahanamoku of Hawaii increased surfing's popularity worldwide through his Olympic swimming attention.
1959
Gidget and Surfing Films
The film 'Gidget', along with other beach movies in the following years, contributes to a major surfing boom in United States.
1976
Surfrider Foundation
The Surfrider Foundation is established by a group of surfers in Southern California to protect oceans and beaches, becoming a powerful advocate for surfing and the environment.
2004
First International Surfing Day
Surfing Magazine and the Surfrider Foundation establish the first International Surfing Day to celebrate surfing and promote ocean conservation.

How to Celebrate International Surfing Day

1

Rent a surfboard

Renting a surfboard is the perfect way to celebrate International Surfing Day! Head to your local beach and rent a surfboard for an hour or two. It's a great way to learn the basics of surfing.

2

Organize a beach clean-up

Organizing a beach clean-up is a great way to celebrate International Surfing Day. Not only will you be giving back to the environment, but you'll also be helping preserve the beaches for future generations of surfers.

3

Attend a surf movie screening

Attend a surf movie screening at your local theater and relive some of the classic surf movies from years past. It's a great way to appreciate the sport of surfing and its history.

4

Watch a live surfing competition

Check out your local beach or surf spot and watch a live surfing competition. This is a great way to catch some of the best surfers in action!

5

Host a surf party

Hosting a surf party is the perfect way to celebrate International Surfing Day. Invite some friends over and have them bring their boards. Play some music, grab some snacks, and hit the waves!

Why We Love International Surfing Day

A

Surfing is a great form of exercise

Surfing offers its practitioners an excellent full body workout. It requires core strength, balance and agility to paddle out in the waves and wait for the perfect wave - not to mention the intense cardio that comes with riding waves. Overall, surfing is an excellent way to stay in shape and have fun at the same time!

B

Surfing is calming & peaceful

Surfing can be meditative and calming. Aside from just the physical benefits of riding waves, there's something special about paying attention to your surroundings, sending respect out into nature, and simply being present in a moment. It's sure to leave you feeling more relaxed and content afterward.

C

Surfing connects us with nature

When we're surfing, we get to experience nature in all its glory. The sound of crashing waves, the vastness of open water, and even sea creatures are just some of the things we get to observe when we venture out into the ocean. Surfing provides us with unforgettable moments that strengthen our connection with nature and remind us of its beauty and power.

International Surfing Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Jun 17
Saturday
2024
Jun 15
Saturday
2025
Jun 21
Saturday
2026
Jun 20
Saturday
2027
Jun 19
Saturday