June 21, 2025 - International Surfing Day!

What is International Surfing Day?
For us at WIJI, as well as for all surfers and "Urban Surfers" everywhere, International Surfing Day is much more than a simple anniversary: it is the moment in which we celebrate the pure exaltation of our favorite sport and of all the surf communities, like ours, that animate it.
An iconic day that unites surfers, ocean lovers, wave sports enthusiasts and surf culture enthusiasts from all over the world.
Let's discover together its origins and what happens on this very special day.

When and why it is celebrated International Surfing Day
International Surfing Day occurs every third Saturday in June, anticipating the peak summer season in the Northern Hemisphere. In 2025, we celebrate it on Saturday, June 21 , the perfect day to enjoy the first summer swells and aperitifs on the beach at sunset.

Origins and history
The official history of International Surfing Day begins in 2005, when the Surfrider Foundation and Surfing Magazine launched a global event with the aim of spreading the passion for surfing and demonstrating, since the first editions, a strong call to protect and enhance our coastlines. Although it takes inspiration from the spirit of the “World Surf Day” meetings of the 90s, ISD (International Surfing Day) has grown to involve over 150 events in more than 30 countries today, transforming itself into a true international movement that celebrates surfing, a sense of community and good vibes.

Events around the world on June 21, 2025

Worldwide: Surfrider Foundation “The Ocean Needs More Friends!”

The Surfrider Foundation, co-founder of the ISD, promotes its message “The Ocean Needs More Friends!” in over 200 locations worldwide: dozens of local meetings, in-water demos and evening meet-ups to connect the community of surfers and beach-lovers, from Washington state to Martinique.

Credits © Surfrider Foundation
https://www.surfrider.org/

Brazil: VIVO Rio Pro Kick‑Off in Saquarema

In Saquarema, the so-called “Mecca of Surfing” in Brazil, the VIVO Rio Pro , a stop on the WSL Championship Tour, opens on June 21. From the first light of dawn on the waves of Itaúna until sunset, breathtaking heats by pro riders alternate with a real surf party on the beach: concerts, acrobatic flight shows and special guests from brands like Vivo and Corona transform this day-one into a festival of music and adrenaline for thousands of fans.

Credits © World Surf League
https://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2025/ct/328/vivo-rio-pro/main

South Africa: Grand finale at the eThekwini Surf Pro in Durban

In the seaside district of New Pier , in Durban, the curtain falls on the eThekwini Surf Pro , a QS 1,000 event that selects new international talents. Between longboard evolutions, women's and men's heats and a street market of local crafts, the final day culminates in a beach party with barbecue, drum circle and concerts that continue until late at night.

Credits © World Surf League
https://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2025/qs/410/ethekwini-surf-pro/main

Australia: Seas The Day Surf Festival in Kingscliff

Kingscliff Beach in New South Wales becomes the beating heart of the Seas The Day Surf Festival , the world’s largest women’s surf gathering. On June 21, three themed areas offer panels with legends like Wendy Botha, freediving workshops and open-air yoga, as well as DJ sets on the famous Tracks Stage . A free-entry village curated by the NSW government welcomes thousands of attendees eager for wave photography, surf jams and plenty of extra surprises.

Alaska: Yakutat Chill Session

In the wild heart of the Gulf of Alaska, the Yakutat Surf Club hosts the “ISD Yakutat Chill Session,” the most extreme event on the calendar. The day includes surfing sessions in freezing water, free lessons for the younger ones, and moments of cultural exchange with the Yakutat Tlingit Tribe , including traditional dances and stories dedicated to the deep bonds between man and the ocean.

Italy: Surfer Joe Summer Festival in Livorno

Finally, in Tuscany, the Surfer Joe Summer Festival lights up the Terrazza Mascagni in Livorno. On June 21, there will be international surf-rock bands such as King of Hawaii , meetings with exceptional shapers and a vintage street food based on craft beers. The retro-chic atmosphere and the waves of the Tyrrhenian Sea are the backdrop to a unique experience, perfect for fans of the 60s sound and for those who want to experience surfing with an urban twist.

For us at WIJI, "International Surfing Day" is nothing more than further proof of how surfing is able to unite cultures, communities and enthusiasts from all over the world.
Not just an iconic day, but an invitation to experiment, discover new spots and share your flow. Always with the spirit of those who know that every take off is a unique, fleeting moment that lives only in the present.