'International Surfing Day & Beach Boys Day' June 21

Simon O'Donovan
1 day ago
5 min read

International Surfing Day & Beach Boys Day – 21 June

International Surfing Day is celebrated every year on 21 June, combining a love of surfing with a commitment to protecting beaches and oceans. The day encourages people to enjoy the sea responsibly, care for coastal environments, and celebrate the culture and lifestyle that surfing has inspired around the world. It also makes a perfect partner for Beach Boys Day, honouring the legendary band whose sun-soaked songs helped popularise surfing and California beach culture across the globe.

About Surfing

Surfing involves riding the face of a breaking wave while standing, kneeling or lying on a board.
The sport has ancient roots in Polynesia and was developed into its modern form in Hawaii.
Balance, timing, fitness and reading the waves are all essential skills for successful surfing.
Famous surfing destinations include Hawaii, Australia, California, Portugal and South Africa.
In the UK, excellent surfing can be found in Cornwall, Devon, South Wales and parts of Scotland.
Bodyboarding, paddleboarding and longboarding are closely related water sports.
Surfing made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics.

Discussion Question: Have you ever surfed or body-boarded? If not, would you like to try it?

Best Surfing Beaches In The World

🏄 Fistral Beach, Newquay, England

Often called the capital of British surfing, Fistral Beach is renowned for its consistent Atlantic swells, golden sands and vibrant surf culture. The beach regularly hosts national and international surfing competitions and offers excellent facilities, including surf schools, lifeguards and beachfront cafés. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced surfer, Fistral provides waves for all abilities.

Discussion question: Have you ever visited Fistral Beach? Would you be tempted to go surfing, try bodyboarding, or simply enjoy watching from the shore?

🌺 Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii

Located in Waikiki Beach, Waikiki is one of the most famous surfing destinations in the world and is widely regarded as the birthplace of modern surfing. Its long, gentle rolling waves make it an ideal place for beginners, while the warm Pacific waters and spectacular backdrop of Diamond Head create an unforgettable setting. Legendary Hawaiian surfer Duke Kahanamoku helped introduce surfing to the world from these very shores.

Discussion question: If you visited Waikiki, would you take a surfing lesson or prefer to relax on the beach and watch the surfers?

🇦🇺 Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia

Bondi Beach is Australia's most iconic surfing beach, attracting locals and visitors from around the globe. Its reliable waves, lively atmosphere and famous coastal walk make it a year-round attraction. The beach is patrolled by lifeguards and lifesavers, but surfers and swimmers should still pay attention to surf conditions and occasional shark sightings, which are monitored closely using helicopters, drones and shark nets or SMART drumlines depending on local management practices.

Discussion question: Would the possibility of sharks put you off swimming or surfing, or would you still jump in?

🌊 Praia do Norte, Nazaré, Portugal

At Praia do Norte, surfers tackle some of the biggest waves ever recorded. A huge underwater canyon funnels Atlantic swells into towering walls of water that can exceed 30 metres (100 feet) during the winter months. These colossal waves attract elite big-wave surfers from around the world, many using tow-in techniques to reach the breaking waves safely. For most visitors, the safest and most thrilling experience is watching from the cliffs above.

Discussion question: Would you be brave enough to surf these giant waves, or would you rather admire them from a safe viewpoint?

Factoid – Agatha Christie and Surfing

Many people are surprised to learn that Agatha Christie was among the earliest Britons to embrace surfing.

During a world tour in the 1920s, she learned to surf in South Africa and Hawaii.
Christie later wrote that she successfully rode waves while standing on her board in Hawaii.
At the time, very few British tourists had even seen surfing, making her an unlikely pioneer.
Her experiences pre-dated surfing becoming fashionable in Britain by several decades.

Discussion Question: What surprising hobbies or adventures do you know about famous people?

Facts About The Beach Boys

Formed in 1961 in Hawthorne, California.
Original members included brothers Brian, Carl and Dennis Wilson, cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine.
Their music celebrated surfing, cars, sunshine and teenage life before evolving into sophisticated pop.
They achieved over 30 UK Top 40 singles and dozens of international hits.
Their vocal harmonies have influenced generations of musicians.
They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.
Their catalogue has sold well over 100 million records worldwide.

Discussion Question: How many Beach Boys songs can you name?

Good Vibrations – Where It All Started

Released in 1966, “Good Vibrations” became the Beach Boys’ signature masterpiece.

Written by Brian Wilson with lyricist Tony Asher and later contributions from Mike Love.
Nicknamed a “pocket symphony” because of its complex structure and innovative production.
Recorded over many months in several studios using multiple tape edits.
Famously features the eerie sound of an electro-theremin, giving the song its distinctive tone.
Reached No. 3 in the UK and No. 2 in the United States and is widely regarded as one of the greatest pop recordings ever made.

UK Top Beach Boys Hits

Some of the band's best-known UK chart successes include:

Good Vibrations – UK No. 1 (1966)
Do It Again – UK No. 1 (1968)
God Only Knows – UK No. 2 (1966)
Sloop John B – UK No. 2 (1966)
Barbara Ann – UK No. 3 (1966)
I Get Around – UK Top 10 (1964)
California Girls – UK Top 30 (1965)
Wouldn't It Be Nice – later became one of their most loved songs despite a modest original UK chart placing.

Activity: Which Beach Boys song brings back the strongest memories for you?

Pet Sounds – One of the Greatest Albums Ever Made

Released in 1966, Pet Sounds is frequently ranked among the greatest albums in popular music history.

Conceived and largely produced by Brian Wilson.
Includes classics such as “Wouldn't It Be Nice,” “God Only Knows,” and “Sloop John B.”
Praised for its rich orchestration, layered harmonies and emotional depth.
Inspired countless artists, including members of The Beatles during the creation of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.
It continues to appear near the top of critics' lists of the greatest albums ever recorded.

Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys Legacy

Brian Wilson is widely recognised as the creative genius behind much of the Beach Boys' music.

He wrote or co-wrote many of their biggest hits and pioneered ambitious studio recording techniques.
Songs such as “California Girls,” “God Only Knows,” “Wouldn't It Be Nice,” and “Good Vibrations” helped redefine pop music.
Despite personal struggles and periods away from performing, Wilson continued recording and touring for many years.
The Beach Boys remain one of the most influential vocal groups of all time, with their harmonies and production style still inspiring artists today.
Their music continues to evoke memories of summer, youth, beaches and optimism for audiences around the world.