International Surf Day and June events

Florida Panhandle Chapter Surfrider Foundation Hosts Lineup of Family Friendly Events in Celebration of International Surfing Day
Surfers Worldwide Unite To Celebrate Surfing and Coastal Environments

Santa Rosa Beach, FL (June 2, 2008) – On June 20, 2008, surfers from around the world will wax their surfboards and catch a wave in honor of International Surfing Day (ISD). In celebration of this special day, the Florida Panhandle Chapter Surfrider Foundation will host a series of family-friendly events throughout South Walton during the month of June. 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 our 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:

Friday, June 13th -"Stand Up For Our Oceans!" a four-member paddle board team challenge at 7:00 pm 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 information, visit www.BlueMountainSurf.com.

Saturday, June 14th - Beach clean-up at 9:00 am down on the beach in front of Majestic Sun and Surfside in Miramar Beach.

Friday, June 20th – International Surfing Day celebration. A family-friendly event on the beach behind Pompano Joe's in Miramar Beach from 6 pm-till. The event will include a paddle out, raffle prizes, silent auction, live music, food and a bonfire. Guests are encouraged to bring their own 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, please email Madra McDonald at madra@m-publicrelations.com. To learn more about International Surfing Day, visit www.SoWal.com and click on the ISD banner.

About Surfrider Foundation
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, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 50,000 members and 80 chapters worldwide. For more information on the Surfrider Foundation, go to www.surfrider.org.