Lady LUX

Held on June 20, International Surfing Day is a time to not just catch the nearest wave but also to party in the name of surfing and show appreciation for our world’s coasts. This annual affair, currently celebrating its ninth year, is also a chance to raise awareness and do something good for the planet.

“Part of the beauty of International Surfing Day is that people everywhere can celebrate and give back,” Laura Lee, Surfrider Foundation director of marketing and communications, said. “Whether that’s paddling out for the very first time, sneaking in a quick session with friends, or picking up trash at your local beach, ISD is as big as you make it.”

Surfing has a surprisingly rich history, moving from an esoteric sport practiced by kings to the international phenomenon is it today, with an industry that pulls in billions. Starting in 2005, ISD has grown from its tiny roots of a few local celebrations in the United States to the global success it enjoys today. It is now observed with more than 200 events across 30 countries.

The Surfrider Foundation will be heading several initiatives in celebration, such as various surf sessions, beach cleanups and coastal restoration events. Past years’ successes have included removing more than 3 tons of garbage from coastlines, 1,800 individuals joining or renewing their Surfrider membership, and hundreds of thousands of viewers watching the International Surfing Day Web-A-Thon.

The Surfrider Foundation is a nonprofit committed to protecting and enjoying our planet’s oceans and beaches through a network of activists. Started in 1984 by a few surfers in Malibu, Calif., with initiative, today the grassroots organization boasts more than 250,000 international supporters, activists and members. For more information, visit www.surfrider.org.

Save the date for some serious surfing fun. For more information or to plan an event, visit isd.surfrider.org.

Tagged in: causes, surfrider foundation, surfing, isd, international surfing day,