On Christmas Eve morning, more than 12,000 spectators flocked to the sandy shores to cheer on over 400 surfers dressed as Santa Claus. This year’s event set a record, raising $100,000 for charity, bringing the total funds raised since 2013 to over $400,000. Proceeds support local organizations, including:
- Grind for Life, which offers financial assistance to cancer patients and their families for travel-related healthcare expenses.
- Florida Surf Museum, dedicated to preserving Florida’s unique surfing heritage.
- Local school sports teams, enriching youth athletic programs.
“Surfing Santas has been called the ‘Greatest Show on Surf,’” said event organizer George Trosset, who started the phenomenon on Dec. 24, 2009, after a news photographer captured him surfing in a Santa suit. “Watching this explode into one of the largest and most-talked-about holiday events has been nothing short of phenomenal.”
This year marked a major milestone with Orlando Health debuting as the presenting sponsor of Surfing Santas. The partnership aligns with Orlando Health’s expansion into Brevard and Indian River Counties, following its September acquisitions of Orlando Health Rockledge Hospital, Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital, and Orlando Health Sebastian River Hospital. Daniel Hodges, Orlando Health’s East Region Chief Financial Officer and an avid surfer, joined the festivities, further cementing the community connection.
The 2024 event also spotlighted health and safety initiatives. Who We Play For, a non-profit committed to preventing sudden cardiac death, hosted CPR and AED training sessions, educating over 400 participants on life-saving techniques. Additionally, the organization provided free EKG screenings for more than 40 children, fostering a safer and healthier community.
As the sun set on another successful Surfing Santas, Cocoa Beach once again proved that the holiday spirit, coupled with a love for surfing, can create waves of positive impact across the region.
