International Surf Day always makes us reflect on how much we love the ocean, and how grateful we are to live on the West Coast where we can take advantage of our environment to live, learn and play. Whether you love to surf or prefer to watch from the beach, we can all appreciate the beauty of a great wave.
Here are 5 ways to celebrate!
CATCH A WAVE
From the Pacific to the Atlantic and everywhere in between, there is a wave waiting for you and your board! Rain or shine, enjoy what the ocean has to offer and remember why you fell in love with surfing in the first place.
BEACH CLEANUP
Participate in a beach clean up! Don’t live by the water? There are many other environmentally sustainable activities you can take part in that ultimately help preserve our ecosystems and natural resources. Pick up some trash at the park, go to a seminar on water conversation in your neighbourhood (summer heatwaves are coming!) or join your local community garden to plant some goodness that helps bees, bugs and ultimately you!
TAKE A SURF LESSON
Always wanted to learn how to surf? There’s no better time than International Surf Day to try! Grab your friends, find a body of water and get out there to learn about the waves, have a few bails and a lot of laughs. Pro tip: Beers afterwards warm you up or cool you down, depending on where you live. Rad.
WATCH A CLASSIC SURF MOVIE
In case couch surfing is more your thing… Check out View From a Blue Moon, Kiss from God. or Blue Crush. Need we say more?
EDUCATE YOURSELF + DONATE
Many organizations are dedicated to the protection of our oceans, waves and beaches. Our top pick? The Surfrider Foundation is a community of everyday people who passionately protect our oceans. By engaging environmental experts to create solutions to protect the coast, what started as a small group of passionate surfers has grown into one of the most powerful coastal protection groups in the world on a local, regional and national level. Do your research and put your time + money to good!