Sleeping Bear Surf hosts second annual Beryl Days
From staff reports
Sleeping Bear Surf is proud to announce the return of Beryl Days, a heart-forward grassroots celebration honoring the spirit of freshwater, community, and joy at the doorstep of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This unique event, held from Friday, June 20, through Sunday, June 22, in the village of Empire, invites locals and visitors alike to gather for three days of connection, education, and fun.
Beryl Days (pronounced “barrel”—yes, like a barreling wave!) honors the legacy of Beryl Skrocki, founder of Sleeping Bear Surf and beloved mother, trailblazer, activist, and community leader. Beryl Days is more than an event; it’s a vibrant reminder of the power of community and our shared responsibility to protect and cherish the Great Lakes environment that fuels so much of our joy and culture.
The weekend’s festivities include a community paddle out and potluck, water-based relay race, stone skipping competition, surf swap, skate jam, live music, yoga, beach cleanup, community plunge, and more. For full event details, schedules, and information on how to get involved, visit SleepingBearSurf.com/event/beryl-days.
Beryl Days is volunteer-powered and open to all. Donations and sponsorships help make Beryl Days possible, supporting community programs and initiatives year-round. (“The Beryl Initiative” is a community fund dedicated to expanding access to surf and freshwater fun across the Great Lakes. Donations and sponsorships power programming rooted in joy, water safety, and environmental stewardship—from providing scholarships for local youth and underserved communities to attend Sleeping Bear Surf’s Jr. Waterman Camps, surf lessons, and clubs, to hosting free, impactful community events like full moon paddles, surf rescue trainings, beach cleanups, and more.)
About Sleeping Bear Surf: Founded by Beryl Skrocki, Sleeping Bear Surf is a locally-owned surf shop and community hub nestled near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The shop is dedicated to providing quality products, programs, and events to push the envelope of Great Lakes play—and to inspire a connection to the freshwater playground right outside our door.
