It was International Surfing Day on the Gulfcoast and there were no waves to surf. But hundreds came out early to Suncoast Surfshop at 8am for a Free Breakfast provided by Steve with Max Wax Surf Candles before a beach cleanup at 9am on Sunset Beach. The newly formed Surfrider Suncoast chapter stepped in to give everyone a hand. It was a beautiful morning with a nice breeze with overcast skies before the sun peaked out and started putting on the heat. Back at Suncoast after the cleanup was a huge product toss. At 12 noon it was meet the Shapers. About half a dozen of the top shapers around Florida came out to show their latest surf boards.
On St. Pete beach Surfshack Surfshop and ESA held a paddle race with all proceeds given to the Surfrider foundation. The Paddle race was about 3/4 a mile long iron man style. Once the competitors paddled the 3/4 of a mile they had to get out of the water and run 3/4 a mile back to the finish line holding onto their boards.
Surfshack had a free lunch courtesy of Chris at Bennigans Channel side and they catered hamburgers. Shortly after it was time for Surfstock, where some of the greatest bands around came out for a free concert. International Surfing Day seems to get better every year. It's a Surfer's holiday now and each year everyone's going to mark their calendar. Even more shops are expected to step in next year and hold even more events around the state.
Here's some pics from the daily events around Treasure Island and St. Pete Beach in Pinellas County.
Nice morning breeze with overcast skies made the cleanup comfortable.
Gulfster Ryan and Ian Carmichael
Sting Ray (Barry) doing the product toss
Cannibal surfboards setting up for meet the Shapers
Christian juking Ryan
ESA director Greg Agerskov (Left) Ian Carmichael showing off his 2nd place pirze bag.
Getting ready to start
The groms racing
Kyle Applefield got first place and collected his prize
Competitors running back to the finish line
At least someone got to surf during International Surfing day.
This grom goes out almost everyday during the seabreeze.
Sabra, Mike Meehan and Robyn, Danamal in the background
Security was not an issue...
Security hard at work
Gulfster Ryan and Mike Meehan (Suncoast Surfrider director)
Greg, Robyn, Ryan, Sabra, Abby and Dan
Local favorites Off Shore Riot!
Somebody help Kali!
Shack Product toss
Elevated these guys are great!
And the main event, these little dudes Rocked the house!
