This morning Cocoa Beach was transformed into a festive paradise for the annual Surfing Santa event, and it was nothing short of magical!
Thousands of people, from locals to tourists, all gathered on the sunny shores, with the spirit of Christmas in the air. The highlight? A sea of Surfing Santas, elves, and even a few reindeers, hitting the waves in a spectacular display of surfing prowess!
The energy was electric as these festive surfers showcased their skills, turning the ocean into a playground of red and white. And let’s not forget the costume contest – creativity was at its peak, with some of the most imaginative and hilarious holiday outfits you can think of!
The Surfing Santas event in Cocoa Beach has become an integral part of the local holiday culture since its inception in 2009. What began as a simple family activity has evolved into a significant charity fundraiser, amassing over $100,000 for local causes such as the Florida Surf Museum and Grind for Life, an organization aiding cancer patients with travel expenses for treatments.
This unique tradition was born out of a spark of inspiration from a Honda advertisement, which featured surfers donned in Santa attire in California. Captivated by this image, George Trosset, the initiator of Surfing Santas, decided to replicate the concept. In 2009, he donned a Santa suit and went surfing with his children on Christmas Eve. This family outing caught the attention of a photographer from Florida Today, who captured these moments. The resulting photographs were published in the Christmas Day edition of the newspaper, laying the foundation for what would become a cherished annual event.
As a photographer, this was a feast for the eyes and the lens. Capturing the joy, the laughter, and the sheer uniqueness of the event was a dream come true.
This wasn’t just about surfing and costumes; most of the proceeds are donate to charities, it was a celebration of community, joy, and the holiday spirit.
