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Surfing Santas Draw Record 14,000 to Cocoa Beach on Christmas Eve

The 17-year tradition doubled as a charity drive, topping $100,000 this year for local nonprofits.

Overview

  • On the morning of Dec. 24, hundreds of costumed surfers rode 3- to 4-foot waves in 80-degree weather at Cocoa Beach.
  • Organizers reported about 400 surfers and roughly 14,000 spectators, marking the event’s largest turnout to date.
  • Proceeds support the Florida Surf Museum, Grind for Life, and Who We Play For, with more than $100,000 raised in 2025 and over $500,000 since 2013.
  • The festivities included a costume contest, a dance-off, hula dancers, photo opportunities, and Santas leaping from a helicopter into the ocean.
  • Founded by George Trosset in 2009, Surfing Santas now draws visitors from around the world and was streamed live on YouTube this year.