International Surfing Day, observed globally on June 20 is less than a month away, and has some really ramped up festivities for this year. The day is recognized as a worldwide celebration of the sport of surfing and an opportunity to give back to coastal environments.  Founded in 2005 by Surfrider Foundation and Surfing Magazine, International Surfing Day has gone from just a handful of local observances in the United States to more than 200 events in 30 countries worldwide. This year’s ambassadors will be world champs Kelly Slater and Stephanie Gilmore.

New this year, The Surfrider Foundation, TransWorld SURF and SME will also be hosting a Web-a-thon on International Surfing Day.

Influenced by the Muscular Dystrophy telethons that were big in the 60s – 80s, the ISD Web-a-thon will feature a variety of guests, including pro surfers, celebrities and environmental heroes, as well as musical performances, a bikini fashion show, and dispatches from various activations around the world. The program will be streamed live on the internet and will be hosted by TransWorld SURF Editor-in-Chief Chris Cote and supermodel and swimwear mogul Susan Holmes-McKagan.

In addition to interviewing guests and covering the day’s festivities, Chris and Susan will be helping the Surfrider Foundation raise funds and supporters through their annual International Surfing Day Membership Drive.  The goal is to sign up 2,000 new members as supporters to help the Surfrider Foundation.

The International Surfing Day web-a-thon begins at 9:00 AM PST on June 20th and will run until 4:00 PM PST.  Viewers are encouraged to “tune in” to the following sites to watch the International Surfing Day Web-a-thon: www.intlsurfingday.com, www.surfrider.org,www.surf.transworld.net and www.smelive.com.