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International Surfing Day, 2019
June 15
International Surfing Day was established by The Surfrider Foundation and Surfing Magazine in 2004. Sure, its a day for the surfers, but it may mean a shoreline party, drinks at the bar after, or a chance to get involved in repairing our damaged world.
This event is celebrated globally in almost all the places with a surfing culture – and some without. Here is a glance at a few of the things going on.
International Surfing Day 2019 Activities
In Oahu, Hawaii there is a group paddle out at the Turtle Bay Resort. Organisers ask for surfers to meet at the surf access at 8am. The resort is off the Kamehameha Highway at Kahuku.
Likewise in Badung in Bali, there is another paddle out at 5pm.
Thing you’re too old to learn to surf? Think again. Read Mike East’s Surfing Begins at 40.
In Latin America, there are similar events in Rio, Brazil; Canalones, Uruguay; Venao Beach, Panama; Veracruz, Mexico.
At the beach called “la Punta” near San Juan the Puerto Rico International Surfing Day is a paddle out and beach clean up. El Salvador is running the same type of commemoration at La Libertad, on the coast down from San Salvador.
In Europe there is a paddle out at Rossnowlagh Beach in Ireland.
Thames Stand-Up Paddle Out
London is organising the Thames Stand-Up Paddle Out with Waves for Change from 10am to 3pm. This runs from the Kew Bridge Arches to Linden House, Hammersmith.
The event will raise money for Waves for Change and The Isiqalo Foundation. It is also a fancy dress event on the theme of equality. The aim is to raise £5000 to allow more girls to receive surf therapy. At the end of everything expect drinks by the river.
Surfrider Foundation and Clean Ups
Preserving ocean resources is another aspect of the day. Let’s not forget that catastrophic climate change is going to have a huge effect on waves unless we act decisively to stop it.
As above, some places will organise beach cleanups, others dune restoration, or protests against raw sewage.
The Surfrider Foundation is coordinating these different events. For more information on times, location and contact details, click here.
History of International Surfing Day
The idea of an internationally recognised day for surfing came about in 2004 out of a decision of The Surfrider Foundation and Surfing Magazine.
When is International Surfing Day
The official International Surfing Day is on 15 June (third Saturday in June), although some seem to mark the event on 20 June.
For more on the International Surfing Day
Click here.
