🌊 Kelly Slater & Stephanie Gilmore Named Ambassadors for International Surfing Day
🌊 June 20, 2012 — Two of the most celebrated athletes in surfing history, Kelly Slater and Stephanie Gilmore, have officially been named global ambassadors for International Surfing Day. Their appointment isn’t just symbolic—it marks a powerful alignment of athletic excellence with environmental purpose.
As a result, this annual event, founded to celebrate the joy of surfing, now carries even greater weight. It’s not only about catching waves, but also about honoring the oceans that make surfing possible. Therefore, with Slater and Gilmore at the helm, International Surfing Day evolves into a worldwide call to action—blending surf culture, climate advocacy, and community engagement like never before.
Through their influence, the celebration extends beyond the beach. It becomes a platform to amplify ocean conservation efforts, inspire new generations of surfers, and remind everyone that protecting the planet starts with protecting the water that connects us all.
🏄♂️ Surf Icons Leading the Charge
Kelly Slater is an 11-time ASP World Champion and widely considered the greatest surfer of all time. With victories spanning decades, he has dominated competitions. In addition, he also has become a vocal advocate especially for ocean conservation and climate awareness.
Stephanie Gilmore, an Australian powerhouse, burst onto the world stage with four consecutive World Titles starting in her rookie season. Since then, she’s added ESPY Awards, multiple Triple Crown wins, and also a reputation for combining elegance and power—both in the water and in her advocacy work.
Together, their ambassadorship brings star power and purpose to a day that’s about more than just waves. That’s because it’s also about protecting the oceans that give life to surfing itself.
🌍 “Celebrate, Reflect, Protect”
Slater sees International Surfing Day (ISD) as much more than a day on the calendar.
“It’s a day to take some time to appreciate this wonderful world we have. A day for environmentalism, family, friendships, travel, and, most of all, riding waves,” he said.
Gilmore echoed the sentiment, stating:
“ISD is a chance to pause and celebrate the beauty of our surfing lifestyle. To appreciate this rare connection we have with the ocean—and to invite others to share in it.”
Their reflections align perfectly with the core mission of ISD: celebrate surfing, raise awareness, and encourage ocean stewardship through local action.
🌊 International Surfing Day: A Global Movement
Since its launch in 2005 by Surfing Magazine and the Surfrider Foundation, International Surfing Day has expanded to over 30 countries with more than 200 local events. These include beach cleanups, film screenings, surf contests, and environmental awareness campaigns.
According to Matt McClain, Marketing and Communications Director for Surfrider Foundation:
“Kelly and Stephanie’s leadership inspires the next generation of surfers and ocean lovers. Their involvement reinforces that ISD is about both celebration and action.”
📲 Join the Celebration
Follow Kelly Slater on Instagram and Stephanie Gilmore on Instagram to see how they’re celebrating and also protecting their favorite coastlines.
Want to make a difference yourself? Head to your local beach on International Surfing Day. Then pick up trash, organize a cleanup, or also just simply share your love of the ocean with others.
And for more on green leadership and outdoor activism, check out:
