COCOA BEACH, Fla., Dec. 9, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Cocoa Beach is preparing to host its 10th annual "Surfing Santas" event, an all-comers extravaganza that has become one of the world's most-dazzling Santa-themed gatherings.
What began as a simple family beach day a decade ago has grown into the nation's most beloved – and slightly zany – holiday tradition. Now, ten years in, there's no better place for Santa to loosen up as he gets ready for his one annual workday than the surfing capital of the East Coast.
Last year, with a massive beachside crowd of more than 10,000 cheering them on, nearly 600 surfers took to the Atlantic all decked out in their best St. Nick outfits. This Christmas Eve morning, the infamous group of Surfing Santas are ready to hit the beach again with hopes of breaking their own record for the number of Santa Clauses simultaneously riding the waves.
"Surfing Santas is truly a sight to behold," said event organizer George Trosset, who got the craze rolling somewhat innocently on Dec. 24, 2009, when a news photographer captured him wearing a Santa getup while surfing with his family. "Watching this explode into one of the largest and most-talked about holiday events has been nothing short of phenomenal."
There are no skill or age requirements to participate as a Surfing Santa and the event is free. Just don your most-festive holiday garb and grab a board. Spectators are invited to dress up as well – cash prizes are in store for the best themed costumes, and one "people's choice" grand prize winner in the costume contest will take home a Surfing Santas surfboard.
"This is a festive, fun in the sun family event. Whether you're big into surfing or just looking to make more unforgettable holiday memories, Surfing Santas should be at the top of your holiday bucket list," said Peter Cranis, the executive director of Florida's Space Coast Office of Tourism. "For our guests from out of town, it's a great opportunity to get into the holiday spirit while soaking up our Florida sunshine and unbeatable, laid-back Space Coast vibe."
Since 2013, Surfing Santas has raised more than $130,000 for charity, through donations and sales of official Surfing Santas T-shirts. All proceeds benefit the work of two local organizations: the Grind for Life cancer support group and the 20-year-old Florida Surf Museum.
For more information about Surfing Santas and where to stay along the Space Coast, visit http://www.visitspacecoast.com. The Dec. 24 event will begin at 8 a.m. along the beach near 2 Minutemen Causeway (where the causeway intersects with Route A1A N. Atlantic Avenue) and is expected to continue until noon. Plenty of parking is available and numerous area restaurants will be open to serve Surfing Santa participants and spectators.
SOURCE Surfing Santas
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