Get ready for International Surfing Day by entering the “Thirsty Thursdays” Instagram contest where you have a chance to win a Firewire surfboard!

Each Wednesday at noon PST check back here or on Surfrider’s Facebook page for that week’s photo theme. Then on Thursday all supporters have to do is snap a picture capturing that theme, post it on Instagram, and tag it with @Surfrider and #ISD.

To be considered for one of the weekly prizes or the grand prize, photos need to be submitted between 6AM and 3PM PST. Each Friday, the top three challenge winners will receive an awesome prize pack, courtesy of Surfrider.

Following the final “Thirsty Thursday” of the series on June 20th, one grand prize winner will be selected from the 12 weekly winners and will receive a Firewire surfboard.

Learn more here.

Alex Gray and Dave Wassel are on board as International Surfing Day Ambassadors this year. Their positive contributions to surfing and fun personalities align perfectly with the goals of ISD and their involvement with this activation will help reach a wider audience.

Here is a quote from each of them, which sums things up perfectly:

“International Surfing Day is a fun way to inspire ocean awareness through a day dedicated to the greatest sport and lifestyle in the world… surfing,” says Alex.

“I’m thrilled to be working with Surfrider Foundation for this year’s International Surfing Day,” says Dave. “Who knew I needed another excuse to go surfing? Stay wet and we’ll see you in the water!”

Read more here. 

Ever dream of being a part of the ASP World Tour? Now could be your chance. Come September at Lower Trestles, one of Hurley’s two wildcards will come via a user-submitted video contest.

Any up-and-coming hopefuls over the age of 13 have the opportunity to let their clips lead them directly into an ASP World Tour Jersey.

Find out more here. 

Surfers Against Sewage asks: What if the next wave never comes? Sewage, litter and offshore developments are threatening to kill our waves.

The aim of the Protect Our Waves petition is to generate at least 100,000 signatures to highlight the value of surfing waves. This will hopefully encourage debate of legislation in order to recognize the importance of waves as a cultural, social, economic and environmental asset to coastal communities.

In honor of Global Wave Wednesday, sign their petition to protect our waves. Let’s reach their goal of 50,000 signatures by the end of May!

Sign here.

Surf spots around the world inspire people to get out and ride. Every wave is different and each destination has its own distinct personality inspiring generations of wave riders.

So if you want a little taste of surf heaven, check out these awesome pictures and write-ups from the waves of Hawaii to the picturesque shores of western France.

Dive in. 

Garret McNamara opens up about some of his worst wipeouts, biggest thrills and how alive it all makes him feel. One of GMAC’s most notable rides happened this year when he rode an estimated 100-footer off the coast of Nazare, Portugal, which was later reported to be the largest wave ever surfed.

As GMAC sat down and talked with Men’s Fitness Magazine, he gave out some tips for aspiring big-wave surfers.

Check it all out here.

You voted and the results are in for the top five wipeouts of the year and we’d probably all agree that they’re pretty intense. The wipeouts featured are all of elite surfers participating in the yearlong Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards. Surfers definitely don’t aspire to end up in the Wipeout of the Year category, but there’s sure to be many jokes coming there way at the awards shows on May 3. There is still time to vote for the number one wipeout spot so look to see which one you’d give the top honor to.

Watch the videos here.

After sifting through hundreds of images and video clips, the nominees for the 2013 Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards presented by Pacifico were announced today, and not without a few surprises.  In an unprecedented outcome, Hawaiian surfer Shane Dorian has been nominated in all four of the categories – Ride of the Year, Pacifico Paddle, Pacifico Tube and XXL Biggest Wave.

Read the story here to get the full list of nominees.

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Photos by: John Suhar