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COCOA BEACH, FL — The 16th annual Surfing Santas event transformed Cocoa Beach into a sea of red and green on a chilly and foggy Christmas Eve morning, as hundreds of Santas traded their traditional sleighs for surfboards. The unique holiday spectacle, which began in 2009 as a family outing, has now become one of the Space Coast’s most cherished traditions, drawing thousands of spectators to watch the festive surfing extravaganza.
The event kicked off at 7:30 a.m. with an invocation and the traditional Hawaiian Christmas carol, “Mele Kaliki Maka,” setting a joyous tone for the day. By 10 a.m., the beach was dotted with hundreds of Santas, elves, and even a few Grinches, all ready to paddle out into the waves. The crowd, estimated at around 10,000 strong, cheered as participants showcased their holiday spirit and surfing skills.
This year’s costume contest was a highlight, featuring categories for babies, kids, groups, men, and women, with winners determined by the applause from the crowd. The creativity was on full display, with costumes ranging from traditional Santa suits to more inventive outfits inspired by snowmen, reindeer, and gingerbread characters. The winners of the costume contest were not officially announced by press time, but the event’s vibrancy was palpable as spectators and participants alike enjoyed the festive judging process.
Notable events included live performances by The Mighty Flea Circus Band, adding to the holiday cheer with their music. Hawaiian dancers also graced the beach, bringing a touch of Polynesian culture to the Christmas celebration. Moreover, the event hosted the world’s largest CPR/AED training session, aiming to set a new record for simultaneous life-saving education, a new addition that underscored the community’s commitment to health and safety.
Image Gallery by Richard P Gallagher.
The Surfing Santas event is not just about fun; it’s a significant fundraiser for local charities. Since its inception, it has raised over $300,000, with proceeds this year benefiting the Florida Surf Museum, which preserves the state’s surfing heritage, and Grind for Life, supporting cancer patients. The event also supports local high school surf teams, ensuring that the spirit of giving is as much a part of the day as the surfing itself.
As the sun rose higher, the sight of numerous Santas surfing the waves was nothing short of magical, creating lasting memories for both locals and visitors. George Trosset, the event’s founder, remarked on its growth from a simple family gathering to a global phenomenon, emphasizing the joy and smiles it brings to the community. “Surfing Santas has been called the ‘Greatest Show on Surf.’ It’s amazing to watch it grow,” Trosset noted.