International Surfing Day
June 20
About International Surfing Day
International Surfing Day is a global celebration of surfing and the ocean ecosystems that make the sport possible. Held on the third Saturday of June each year, it falls on Saturday 20 June 2026. The day is led by the Surfrider Foundation and partners and now includes hundreds of beach cleans, surf events, and policy actions in more than 30 countries.
How to Celebrate International Surfing Day
This is a participation-first awareness day, with the action taking place on beaches, in the line-up, and in coastal communities around the world:
- Find your local Surfrider event – Surfrider chapters and partner organisations host events on every continent except Antarctica; check surfrider.org/events for your nearest beach clean, paddle-out, or film night.
- Take a surf lesson – Many UK and US surf schools run discounted introductory sessions on International Surfing Day, especially in Cornwall, Devon, Pembrokeshire, and California.
- Join a beach clean – The day is one of the world’s largest organised beach cleans; bring gloves and a reusable bag and post your haul with #InternationalSurfingDay.
- Paddle out for a memorial circle – Surfers traditionally form a circle on the water to honour lost friends and to highlight ocean issues; check with your local surf school for organised paddle-outs.
- Watch a surf film – From Endless Summer to Riding Giants and Momentum Generation, surf cinema is a great way to mark the day if you cannot make it to the coast.
- Donate to a coastal charity – Surfrider Foundation, Surfers Against Sewage, and Sustainable Coastlines all work to protect the waves and beaches surfers love.
- Take the plastic-free pledge – Surfrider runs a year-round Ocean Friendly programme; International Surfing Day is a natural moment to commit to reusables.
- Share your favourite wave – Post a photo of your home break and tag #InternationalSurfingDay to celebrate the diversity of waves around the world.
What is International Surfing Day?
International Surfing Day (ISD) is an environmentally focused sports celebration that promotes the sport of surfing, surfing culture, and the sustainability of the ocean. The day was founded in 2005 by Surfing Magazine and the Surfrider Foundation, a US-based environmental non-profit dedicated to protecting the world’s coasts. Today, ISD is the Surfrider Foundation’s largest annual activation, with more than 150 events worldwide in recent years and over a million participants.
When is International Surfing Day?
International Surfing Day takes place on the third Saturday of June every year. In 2026 it falls on Saturday 20 June. The official hashtag is #InternationalSurfingDay.
The History of International Surfing Day
Surfing’s modern revival began in the early 20th century, when Hawaiian surfer and Olympic swimmer Duke Kahanamoku introduced the sport to mainland US, Australia, and Europe. By the 1960s surfing was a global pop-culture phenomenon, and by the 1990s growing concerns about water quality and coastal development had prompted surfers to organise. The Surfrider Foundation was founded in California in 1984 by surfer-activists who wanted to protect Malibu’s First Point from pollution and unchecked development. The organisation now has more than 80 chapters across the United States and 12 international affiliates.
International Surfing Day was launched in 2005 by Surfing Magazine and the Surfrider Foundation as a way to combine the celebration of surfing with action on coastal environmental issues. The first events drew a few thousand participants in a handful of countries; the day now reaches over a million people across more than 30 countries. Surfrider chapters use the day to highlight specific issues, from sewage pollution and offshore drilling to plastic waste and beach access. In 2024, more than 150 events were held worldwide, and the Surfrider Foundation marked its 40th anniversary the same year.
Fun Facts About International Surfing Day
- International Surfing Day was founded in 2005 by Surfing Magazine and the Surfrider Foundation.
- It takes place on the third Saturday of June every year, around the summer solstice.
- The Surfrider Foundation was founded in 1984 in Malibu, California.
- More than 150 events were held worldwide on International Surfing Day in 2024.
- Duke Kahanamoku, an Olympic gold medallist swimmer, popularised surfing globally in the early 20th century.
- Surfrider has more than 80 US chapters and 12 international affiliates.
Why International Surfing Day Matters
Surfing depends on a healthy ocean. Plastic pollution, sewage discharges, oil spills, and coastal development all threaten the waves and beaches that surfers love. International Surfing Day exists to celebrate the joy of surfing while focusing attention on the environmental challenges facing the coast, mobilising thousands of volunteers for beach cleans, water quality monitoring, and policy campaigns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is International Surfing Day?
An annual environmentally focused day that celebrates surfing while raising funds and awareness for coastal protection.
When is International Surfing Day in 2026?
Saturday 20 June 2026.
Who organises International Surfing Day?
The Surfrider Foundation, a US-based environmental non-profit, with partner surf clubs, brands, and chapters around the world.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your best surf and beach clean photos on social media with #InternationalSurfingDay and #ProtectAndEnjoy. Tag your friends and challenge them to take part!
Related Awareness Days
- World Refill Day – Falls in the same week and tackles the plastic pollution that ends up in the ocean.
- World Bicycle Day – Another celebration of low-impact movement and outdoor lifestyle.
- World Biodiversity Day – Recognises the marine biodiversity that surfers depend on.
Links
- Visit the official International Surfing Day page at Surfrider
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
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