- WSL / Cait Miers

Today we celebrate International Surfing Day, and on this day -- and every day -- the WSL is working to ensure that surfing is for everyone.

First started back in 2005 with a Surfrider Foundation and Surfing Magazine collab, this sea-centric event now counts over a million participants in the last decade and enjoys sprawling participation across continents.

The salt-centric holiday is a defining day of celebration for surfers around the globe as they come together in an expression of solidarity and community.

Every third Saturday in June, wave riders of all ages and abilities are encouraged to paddle into a few fun ones with familiar faces and newbies.

"The fact that we're approaching the 20-year anniversary shows that as the general population of surfers grows, so does the importance of the day," says Evan Slater, who was the editor of Surfing Magazine that helped mastermind the original ISD.

ISD 2021 Today we celebrate International Surfing Day, and on this day -- and every day -- the WSL is working to ensure that surfing is for everyone. - WSL

In line with the lengthy daylight hours of the Northern Hemisphere's summer solstice, this holiday links up communities for a sun-filled day of rides, shared laughs, contests, BBQs and surf vids.

But today is more than just another romp in the waves.

Packaged with the camaraderie is also a call to action; ISD encourages new and ongoing community projects aimed at improving the health of our environment -- everything from beach clean-ups to coastal dune restoration to calls for legislative change are encouraged.

Today is also Juneteenth, a day which has now been named a federal holiday in the United States to commemorate the end of legal slavery. Amidst the salt, sun and stoke, it's also important to acknowledge this historic moment.

Diversifying the line-up and creating opportunities for people of all backgrounds, genders, race, and identity is core to the League's mission. And while there's been some wins this past year, we know we have more work to do -- and we're committed to working to make sure everyone can see themselves in our line-ups.

So take a look at a few of the things we're celebrating today, then grab your board and jump in!

Diversity And Inclusion

WSL Studios film Transformed | S3 E1: Émerger won a Webby Award for Diversity & Inclusion.

ISD 2021 International Surfing Day 2021 - WSL

Tyler Wright Competes For More Than Just A Title

Tyler Wright becomes the first woman to win a Championship Tour event at Pipeline and continued to surf for more than just the title.

ISD 2021 International Surfing Day 2021 - WSL

Women's Championship Tour Head Judge From Brazil

Luli Pereira was named Head Judge for the Women's Championship Tour, the first Brazilian Head Judge for the CT in 15 years.

ISD 2021 International Surfing Day 2021 - WSL

Women Like Carissa Moore Progress The Sport

Carissa Moore continued to push surfing forward with a huge air reverse at the Rip Curl Newcastle Cup presented by Corona.

ISD 2021 International Surfing Day 2021 - WSL

Jessi Miley-Dyer Head Of WSL Tours

Jessi Miley-Dyer became the first woman to hold the position of Senior Vice President of Tours and Head of Competition and now oversees all WSL Tours.

ISD 2021 International Surfing Day 2021 - WSL

Amuro Tsuzuki Representing Japan

Amuro Tsuzuki became the first Japanese woman to surf in a modern-era Championship Tour contest at the Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic presented by Corona.

ISD 2021 International Surfing Day 2021 - WSL

More To Do

While we have a lot to celebrate, we have so much more work to do to ensure surfing is for everyone.

ISD 2021 International Surfing Day 2021 - WSL
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