Int'l Surfing Day pauses, reflects on gift of surfing

International Surfing Day

International Surfing Day is coming up on June 20th

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 13 June, 2012 : - - International Surfing Day was founded so that surfers and surf enthusiasts from all over the globe have an opportunity to celebrate the great sport of surfing. From paddle-outs to beach clean-ups, surf movie nights to mangrove restorations, surfers across the world will be coming together on June 20th to celebrate the sport of surfing and give something back to the oceans, waves and beaches that give us all so much.

On ONE day only, June 20th, you can join or renew with special Surfrider membership packages. We sold out last year, so make sure you don't miss out. In other news, Kelly Slater and Stephanie Gilmore have signed on as ISD ambassadors.

Kelly Slater has dominated competitive surfing for two decades, garnering an unprecedented 11 ASP World Championships, 48 Elite Tour wins, two ESPN X Games gold medals, 14 Surfer Poll Awards, a four time Laureus World Action Sportsman of the Year Award, and induction into the Surfing Hall of Fame. He has also received high praise from the U.S. House of Representatives with a (unanimous) bipartisan resolution passed in May 2010 recognizing his outstanding and unprecedented achievements in the world of surfing and for being an ambassador of the sport and excellent role model.

Kelly’s professionalism, philanthropic work, character and style have also redefined the archetype of a surfer. He is committed to protecting the world’s oceans and its marine habitats, using his influence and status to educate the public about important environmental issues.

“International Surfing Day is a day to take some time to appreciate this wonderful world we have and this incredible relationship we each have with the ocean,” says Slater. “It is a day for environmentalism, family, friendships, travel and, most of all, riding waves. For us, this should be our big holiday right up there with Christmas and Halloween and Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day.

It is a good time to remember all we’ve done and all the people and places we’ve gotten to know and reflect on where we’re going to be in the future. Every day is a good day for all of these things, but this one just reminds us how good we have it and to not take it for granted.”

At 24 years old, Australian native Stephanie Gilmore has already become one of the most accomplished surfers in the world. She’s won four consecutive ASP Women’s World titles, and still remains the only surfer to take the title during her rookie year. Like Kelly, Stephanie also holds a Laureus Award for her groundbreaking achievements in women’s professional surfing.

"ISD will be a special day to celebrate the beauty of our surfing lifestyles" said Stephanie "All the enjoyment, passion, stoke, challenges and life changing experiences that we encounter at the beach are limitless, and ISD is the perfect way to pause for a moment, appreciate this rare relationship we humans have with the ocean, and encourage others less familiar to join in."

On June 20th ISD will host a web-a-thon starting 9:00 a.m. PST (Noon EST) With Appearances By:

Anastasia Ashley
Matt Biolos
Dr. Tim Brown 
Tony Corley
Brandon Cruz
Chris Del Moro
Brad Gerlach
Jack Grisham
Le Blorr
Torrey Meister
Jodie Nelson
Pat O’Connell
Riki Rachtman
Makua Rothman
Nick Rosza
Peter Townend

www.intlsurfingday.com