Surfer riding a wave in Nazaré, Portugal
© Rui Caria/Getty Image
Where there's a will, there's a wave. International Surfing Day
Planning on hitting the waves for International Surfing Day! This event is about celebrating surfing while also drawing attention to the importance of protecting ocean environments to keep their waters pristine for wildlife and surfers alike. Surfing has a long history; around 5,000 years ago in Peru, people used reed watercraft to surf the waves when they were out fishing. It was in pre-colonial Hawaii, however, that modern surfing was born. Here, people started to stand on their boards and to surf for fun.
Today's image shows an intrepid surfer riding a wave at Nazaré, Portugal. This town on the Atlantic coast is known for its giant waves, which can reach over 30 metres in height. Thanks to these impressive breakers, several surf records have been broken here, including the biggest wave ever surfed—an incredible 26 metres. So, wax down your surfboards and go out and catch some waves!
Related Images
Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks) off the coast of Ise, Mie Prefecture, Honshu, Japan
Galápagos sea lion off the shore of Fernandina Island, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
Oyster farm offshore from Notojima Island, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan
Polar bear in waters off Svalbard, Norway
Rodrigo Koxa riding the biggest wave ever surfed, on Nov. 8, 2017, off the coast of Nazaré, Portugal
Storseisundet Bridge, Atlantic Ocean Road, Norway
Dr. Sylvia Earle explores the Great Barrier Reef in a scene from 'Mission Blue'
People surfing at Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast, Australia
Bing Today Images
