Surf’s Up, Duval 

International Surf Day Turns 20

Words by Joshua Walker, photo by Mathieu Chirico

Surfers don’t forget to mark your calendars: International Surfing Day is June 21. This international event is far more than a day to celebrate surfing, it’s a day to bring the local surf community together and celebrate the culture of surfing. The day also highlights the importance of protecting the beaches and ocean life.

International Surfing Day was first founded by the nonprofit organization Surfrider Foundation in 2005 to advocate for the protection of the ocean and coastal environments. This year the event will be turning 20, making the event extra special. To get some insight on what the event means to the beach community, I spoke with a few local surfers to see what the holiday means to them. 

“Everyone goes out and surfs, in my opinion and just have fun,” said Hendrix Shaw.

For others, the holiday has a deeper meaning. Turner Randall sees it as more than just a one-and-done day but rather a commitment to the ocean, and for the next generations of people. “I feel like it’s not necessarily more about the one day: It’s more just like the lifestyle of the beach, trying to keep it healthy for the next generations to come, leaving it better than the way you found it,” said Randall.

Whether you surf or enjoy spending time at the beach, International Surfing Day is a day you don’t want to miss. It’s a day to celebrate the sport of surfing, bring the community together, and most importantly reminding the community the importance of protecting what they love. So next time you’re at the beach, let this holiday serve as a reminder to do your part by taking care of the beach and celebrating how far surfing has come and the impact it’s made on the community.