International Surfing Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

International Surfing Day is observed on the third Saturday of June, which this year falls on June 17. It is an eco-friendly holiday that commemorates surfing and the preservation of ocean resources. It also promotes surfing and encourages more individuals to participate in this enjoyable activity. Surfing dates back approximately 5,000 years and is not only a sport, but also a passion and a way of life; it is a pastime found on all inhabited continents.

The background of International Surfing Day

“Surfing Magazine” and the Surfrider Foundation established International Surfing Day in 2005. The holiday was created to promote the sport of surfing and educate individuals about the negative impact their activities have on the ocean and environment. On International Surfing Day, numerous events are held, including surfing competitions, barbecues, and other enjoyable surf-related events. As a means of contributing positively to the environment, numerous organisations also organise shore cleanups and other remedial activities.

Bodysurfing has probably existed since humans first learned to swim in the ocean. However, surfing with the aid of equipment can be traced back to ancient Peruvian cultures, where people surfed on papyrus watercraft for recreation and fishing. However, modern surfing with the use of surfboards originated in pre-colonial Hawaii, where Polynesians introduced the innovation. Journal entries written by Joseph Banks during his 1769 sojourn in Tahiti provide evidence of surfing in Polynesia. In Hawaii, surfing transcended the recreation or sport category and entered the realms of religion, culture, and the arts. It was referred to as ‘he’e nalu,’ which means “wave sliding.” Before surfing, the people would pray for protection and fortitude from the gods. In addition to requiring the assistance of a cleric, the creation of surfboards also necessitated the participation of a priest.

According to historians Kim Stoner and Geoff Dunn, four adolescent Hawaiian princes arrived in California in July 1885 and introduced surfing to the United States. On redwood boards, David Kawananakoa, Edward Keli’iahonu, Jonah Khi Kalaniana’ole, and Elle Mancini surfed the San Lorenzo River. The United States Surfing Association was arguably the first professional surfing contest organisation in the world when it was founded in 1961. Today, surfing is not only a sport but also a way of life that can be found on every inhabited continent.

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INTERNATIONAL SURFING DAY ACTIVITIES

Try surfing

There is no greater way to observe International Surfing Day than by actually surfing! Experience the exhilaration of the sport by going surfing.

Conduct a shoreline cleanup

To safeguard the environment, organise a beach cleanup to remove pollutants that could contaminate the ocean. Let’s preserve a clean and wholesome environment.

Purchase a surf-themed item

On this day, purchase a tacky surf-themed item to commemorate International Surfing Day. Whether it’s a shirt with an encouraging quote or a miniature surfboard, purchase a beautiful item for yourself or someone else.

5 essential facts about the ocean

There is only one ocean on Earth, which is comprised of five interconnected ocean basins: the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic, and Southern Oceans.

Oceans encompass more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface.

Approximately 94% of all species on Earth can be found in the ocean.

Due to the frequency of shipwrecks, the ocean contains more historical artefacts than all museums combined.

There are believed to be over 670,000 islands in the globe.

INTERNATIONAL SURFING DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2022	June 18	Saturday
2023	June 17	Saturday
2024	June 15	Saturday
2025	June 21	Saturday
2026	June 20	Saturday