Emerald Coast News

Events planned to celebrate International Surfing Day (June 16, 2008)

SANTA ROSA BEACH – On June 20, surfers from around the world will wax their surfboards and catch a wave in honor of International Surfing Day.

In celebration of this special day, the Florida Panhandle Chapter Surfrider Foundation will host a series of family-friendly events throughout South Walton. All events are free and open to the public.

“This event marks our third year celebrating International Surfing Day,” said Jack Slattery, founding member of Florida Panhandle Chapter Surfrider Foundation. “We have had a significant increase in memberships in the past year and everyone is enthusiastic about this year’s event. We hope it inspires a new beach culture movement with locals in the community.”

Established four years ago by the Surfrider Foundation and Surfing Magazine, International Surfing Day is the one day a year where surfers from around the globe come together to celebrate the sport of surfing and pitch in to give back to the world’s oceans, waves and beaches.

As is tradition, the Surfrider Foundation will commemorate the day by hosting various coastal clean-up and restoration events around the world. However, there will be a new twist this year in the form of special ISD “challenges” whereby the public will be able to compete for prizes by participating in a wide range of activities ranging from beach clean-ups, to filmmaking, to art contests

Florida Panhandle Chapter Surfrider Foundation will host the following activities in celebration of International Surfing Day:

  • Tonight - “Stand Up For Our Oceans!” a four-member paddle board team challenge at 7 p.m. on Lake Allen next to Stinky’s Fish Camp. Surf shops, lifeguards, surf clubs, beach crews and local businesses are encouraged to participate. The format will include a short course relay and an awards ceremony. For more details, visit BlueMountainSurg.com.

  • Saturday - Beach cleanup at 9 a.m. on the beach in front of Majestic Sun and Surfside in Miramar Beach.

  • June 20 – International Surfing Day celebration. A family-friendly event on the beach behind Pompano Joe’s in Miramar Beach starting at 6 p.m.. The event will include a paddle out, raffle prizes, silent auction, live music, food and a bonfire. Bring beverages.

    International Surfing Day is sponsored by Monster Energy Drink, Pac Sun and Earthpack.

    The Florida Panhandle Chapter Surfrider Foundation is seeking local sponsors to donate items for the raffle and silent auction. For more information on how to become a sponsor, e-mail Madra McDonald at madra@m-publicrelations.com. To learn more about International Surfing Day, visit SoWal.com and click on the ISD banner.

    The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, Calif., the Surfrider Foundation maintains more than 50,000 members and 80 chapters worldwide. For more on the Surfrider Foundation, go to surfrider.org.

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