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!