No one owns the sea – and the beach belongs to everyone.
That’s what the Surfrider Foundation is spreading for this year’s International Surfing Day, by going out and sharing a day of horseback riding.
Held on 18 June this year, the day is celebrated in around 30 countries, with over 200 events taking place across the world. Locally, there are two official gatherings, one at the Huntington Beach Pier and the other at El Porto in Manhattan Beach.
“We protect the ocean 364 days a year, and that’s a day to enjoy,” said Chad Nelson, CEO of the Surfrider Foundation. “Surfing is an incredible, joyous sport – as long as we can all get along and everyone is welcome.”
International Surfing Day was instituted in 2005 by the Surfrider Foundation and Surfing Magazine as an excuse to celebrate the sport and culture, which has seen a surge of new participants in recent years as people have found ways to enjoy the outdoors. have searched. But without understanding the rules of water and surf etiquette, conflict within a growing crowd can lead to tension and discomfort.
“There are so many unwritten rules and etiquette for sharing a lineup,” Nelson said, listing a few. “Paddle behind a surfer so you don’t get in their way, give the wave priority to the person, and share – no one wants to be the wave hog.”
And International Surfing Day is also a great time to remind longtime surfers that the sport is about enjoying the waves with each other, he said.
“I sometimes see those angry surfers in the water,” he said. “Probably, we’re all having fun here. If you’re not having fun why are you doing it?
“Especially in Southern California, the lineups are more crowded, we just need to find a way for everyone to get along,” he said.
Nelson spoke about the desire of Duke Kahanamoku and the Hawaiian Olympian to spread the spirit of “aloha” by sharing and being kind to others.
“I think we should all remember that,” he said. “He shared this game with the world. We probably won’t go surfing, but for that.”
Although there has been no official study, with numbers increasing, the lineup has seen another wave of change in recent years, with more diversity among surfers hitting the water, he said. More groups are emerging showing surfers of different ethnic backgrounds, highlighting changes in surf culture.
“We are really seeing this emergence of more black surfers and people of color,” Nelson said. “And it’s great to see. I think it’s enriching the sport, it’s bringing in new culture, new ideas and new people – which is always a good thing.
“Our beaches and oceans are common to the public, they are open to all,” he emphasized. “Nobody owns the beach, nobody owns the ocean. Being technically permissive is one thing, being welcoming is another.”
“I still think we have a way to go, but it seems to be turning in a positive direction.”
The Surfrider Foundation recently released a “Good Vibes Beach Guide” to remind people that they are meant to go out and have a good time while sharing knowledge with others.
“It’s kind of a reminder that we all, especially those of us who are experienced, need to be good and welcoming stewards of surfing and help people understand the etiquette and rules and regulations of surfing. I should be kind and kind, not mean and bad.” Nelson said.
And it’s also about giving back to the ocean which allows us to use its waves as a playground.
“If you’re going to enjoy the sea, you have to be a good stewards of the ocean as well,” Nelson said. “This includes not dumping trash, protecting the ocean – giving back and being involved. The seas and beaches don’t take care of themselves, so we have to take care of them.”
Saturday’s events include a surf gathering and beach cleanup from 8 a.m. to noon on the south side of the Huntington Beach Pier and a gathering from 2 to 9 p.m. in Manhattan Beach’s El Porto, which is at the 45th Street parking lot. Meets.
More information: surfrider.org/isd
