Here's Your Sick Note for a Day Off to Surf

Written by Christa Bigue

Thursday, June 20, is a holiday for surfers.

Surfrider Foundation CEO Jim Moriarty wants you to take the day off for International Surfing Day (ISD), a global event now in its 9th year uniting surfers from around the world to celebrate the sport of surfing while raising awareness for the sustainability of ocean resources.

He even gives you a sick note, with a coffee stain on it since "authenticity matters when playing hookey," to fill out so you can get the day off.

"Now there are no excuses for not paddling out this Thursday!" Moriarty wrote on the Surfrider Foundation’s Facebook page. "Once a year you have Surfrider's expressed permission to celebrate, go surfing and hang out on the beach."

The Surfrider Foundation is a nonprofit that’s dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world's oceans, waves and beaches. International Surfing Day began in 2005 with only just a small handful of local observances in the United States and has since exploded to more than 140 events in 30 countries worldwide.

In addition to catching some waves, surfers around the globe are encouraged to take some time to give back to beaches and oceans. Surfrider Foundation chapters, along with various other organizations and groups, will host beach cleanups, dune restorations, surf clinics, coastal restoration events, and other fun surf-themed activities worldwide.

Here in Santa Cruz County, the local chapter is celebrating ISD with events all day Sunday at Cowell Beach. There will be a beach clean up, surf lessons, water sampling lessons, a group surf and pizza. The festivities run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Find an International Surfing Day event near you here.