Cocoa Beach's Surfing Santas event is back, drawing surfers and spectators to the beach for a holiday-themed charity gathering. The annual event, which has taken place for over a decade, sees participants donning Santa hats and riding waves to support local families in need. Organizers say the event has raised thousands of dollars for food assistance and holiday gifts for children in Brevard County. "It's a way to give back while having fun," said event co-founder Lisa Martinez, a Cocoa Beach resident and local business owner. "The community comes together, and it's amazing to see the impact." The event typically takes place in late November, though exact dates are set each year based on weather and surf conditions. Surfers of all skill levels join the cause, with some even competing in a holiday-themed wave-riding challenge. Proceeds go directly to the Cocoa Beach Food Bank and the Brevard County School District's holiday program. Last year's event collected over $15,000, according to organizers. Volunteers set up donation stations along the beach, and local businesses contribute prizes for the wave-riding contest. The event has become a staple of the Space Coast's holiday season, blending the area's love for surfing with a commitment to helping neighbors in need. "It's not just about the surf," Martinez added. "It's about making sure no family here goes without during the holidays."