Now in its 14th 12 months, “Surfing Santas” in Cocoa Beach, Fla. brings out the native browsing crowd in … [+]
On Christmas Eve, Santa arrives in Florida’s Cocoa Beach differently – on a surfboard.
2022 is welcoming the 14th 12 months of “Surfing Santas,” a gathering of wave riders decked out of their vacation most interesting to lift funds for 2 native nonprofits, the Florida Surf Museum and Grind for Life.
“Surfing Santas” began on Christmas Eve 2009 as a small household outing. George Trosset and his son, George Jr., and his daughter-in-law, Britteny, determined to log on in South Cocoa Beach dressed up as Santa Claus and his elves.
“When a photo of their antics hit the front page of a Florida newspaper, others wanted to join in on the fun,” stated Meagan Happel, Florida’s Space Coast Office of Tourism’s public relations supervisor and movie commissioner.
“Surfing Santas” welcomes surfers on all varieties of boards.
Having developed right into a charity occasion, “Surfing Santas” 2022 kicks off on Saturday, Dec. 24, at 8 a.m. alongside Cocoa Beach close to the seashore’s 2 Minutemen Causeway. The occasion is predicted to proceed till the early afternoon.
“It is held on Christmas Eve morning because ‘the Big Guy’ has a lot of work to do that night,” stated Happel concerning the occasion. “Rumor has it, surfing is his favorite pastime to relax to get ready for the big day. And it’s no secret his favorite place to relax for the big day.”
The public can take part on this present day, to0. According to Happel, attendance to “Surfing Santas” is free and anybody can take part. “Just show up and have fun dressed in your favorite Christmas attire.”
“Surfing Santas” come wearing varied vacation or wintery outfits.
Surfers usually come carrying a Christmas or wintery-themed wardrobe, usually resembling Santa or Mrs. Claus, a snowman or a gingerbread man, elves and even reindeer; “Surfing Santas” additionally encompasses a costume contest with contestants having an opportunity at successful prizes in varied classes.
While “Surfing Santas” includes being on the water, the permitted gear shouldn’t be restricted to surfboards. Some members journey in on boards of all kinds-from boogie to SUPs-and even jet skies.
Happel famous that it’s attainable to see “Santas” leaping out of helicopters into the water. Attendees may also acknowledge Doug Flutie, the previous soccer participant and native resident who’s a longtime “Surfing Santa” participant.
Money is raised for each the Florida Surf Museum and Grind for Life by way of the sale of t-shirts. To date, the occasion has raised greater than $200,000 for these organizations. For the 2022 version of “Surfing Santas,” there might be a raffle of a 1996 Toyota Hilux “Surf” SUV. Tickets value $20 for one ticket or $100 for six.