National Get Gnarly Day – Jul. 29, 2026

National Get Gnarly Day
Categories:
Tags:
FunWork
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every July 29
Holiday emoji:
🤙

National Get Gnarly Day challenges us to embrace the unconventional every July 29. This holiday, founded in 2016, invites you to toss out old ideas and find excitement in what might seem ‘gnarly’ at first glance. Dare to try something new, push your boundaries, and infuse your day with a fresh, adventurous spirit.

Want to sponsor National Get Gnarly Day? Learn how

Expected National Get Gnarly Day Deals

While official 2027 promotions for National Get Gnarly Day are still emerging, past trends suggest a focus on adventurous experiences and unique products. Look for discounts from outdoor gear retailers like REI and Backcountry on climbing equipment, hiking essentials, or water sports gear. Brands like GoPro might offer deals on action cameras to capture your gnarly moments, while fitness apps such as Strava could launch challenges to encourage new personal bests. Even food brands like Taco Bell or Chipotle might introduce ‘gnarly’ new menu items with bold flavors. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as July 29 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Get Gnarly Day

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalGetGnarlyDay. Film yourself trying a new, ‘gnarly’ activity or sharing a bold idea.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #GetGnarly. Post photos or reels of you stepping out of your comfort zone or embracing an unconventional hobby.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalGetGnarlyDay. Share your ‘gnarly’ ideas or challenge friends to embrace something new.

Social Media Tips for National Get Gnarly Day

Individuals

Challenge yourself to try something you've always considered too daunting, whether it's a new recipe, a different route to work, or learning a new skill. Share your progress and inspire others.

Creators

Create content that encourages viewers to break free from routine. Host a 'gnarly' challenge, showcase unconventional life hacks, or interview people who embody a bold, adventurous spirit.

Brands

Launch a campaign that encourages customers to 'get gnarly' with your product. Offer a limited-edition 'gnarly' version, run a user-generated content contest, or partner with an extreme sports influencer.

Top Brands for National Get Gnarly Day

  1. GoPro

    Founded in 2002 by Nick Woodman, GoPro revolutionized action photography with its rugged, wearable cameras. The brand is synonymous with capturing extreme sports and adventurous lifestyles, perfectly embodying the 'gnarly' spirit of pushing boundaries.

  2. Red Bull

    An Austrian energy drink company founded in 1987, Red Bull is renowned for its extreme sports sponsorships and events, from cliff diving to F1 racing. The brand consistently supports athletes who 'get gnarly' and challenge the limits of human performance.

  3. REI

    Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) is an American retail and outdoor recreation services corporation established in 1938. As a co-op, it provides gear for hiking, camping, climbing, and other adventures, encouraging members to explore and embrace the 'gnarly' outdoors.

  4. Vans

    Founded in 1966 in Anaheim, California, Vans is an iconic American manufacturer of skateboarding shoes and related apparel. The brand's deep roots in skate and surf culture make it a natural fit for a day celebrating the unconventional and 'gnarly' pursuits.

  5. Taco Bell

    Founded in 1962 by Glen Bell, Taco Bell is an American fast-food chain known for its innovative and often 'gnarly' menu items, pushing the boundaries of traditional Mexican-inspired cuisine. They frequently introduce bold flavors and unexpected combinations.

  6. Outside Magazine

    Launched in 1977, Outside Magazine is a leading publication covering outdoor sports, adventure travel, environmental issues, and health. It inspires readers to embrace challenging experiences and explore the 'gnarly' aspects of nature and physical endurance.

  7. Harley-Davidson

    Founded in 1903 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Harley-Davidson is an American motorcycle manufacturer known for its iconic bikes and the rebellious, adventurous spirit of its riders. The brand represents a 'gnarly' approach to freedom and the open road.

National Get Gnarly Day Hero

Laird Hamilton

Laird Hamilton is an American big-wave surfer, hydrofoil surfer, and innovator who has consistently pushed the boundaries of what's possible in the ocean. Born in 1964, he is widely recognized as one of the greatest all-around watermen in the world, known for tackling 'gnarly' waves previously thought unrideable. His relentless pursuit of new challenges and his pioneering spirit perfectly embody the essence of National Get Gnarly Day, inspiring others to embrace the unconventional.

History of National Get Gnarly Day

In 2016, Whirlpool Corporation started a campaign to put some “gNARliness” into their work as a way to encourage their employees to reach their goals and satisfy customers. The “NAR” in “gNARliness” stood for the North American Region. The campaign turned out to be a great success among the employees and Whirlpool Corporation decided to share this gnarliness by creating National Get Gnarly Day. 

Whirlpool Corporation had a humble beginning, based on a business failure and the vision of one family. In 1908, Lou Upton invested his savings in a venture to manufacture household equipment. However, the company failed to materialize and Upton was offered the opportunity to select something of value from the failed venture as a return on his investment. He chose the patents on a handwashing machine that he thought might be electrified in the future. In 1911, Upton and his uncle Emory patented an electric motor-driven wringer washer. They received funding from Lowell Bassford and help from Upton’s brother Fred to kickstart the washer for Upton Machine Company. Only a few years later, World War II halted the washer production and the factories were modified to provide components for aircraft and military equipment. 

In the summer of 1945, Upton Machine Company began producing washers again. This period witnessed an explosive growth that would take the company from a small manufacturer of washers and ironers to a large one with a full line of major home appliances, including the first fully automatic washer and electric dryer! It was only in 1949 that the company’s name changed to Whirlpool Corporation in recognition of the signature brand. For the first time since its inception, the company achieved $48 million in sales and annual earnings of $3 million in 1951. 

National Get Gnarly Day timeline

1767
First Washing Machine

Jacob Christian Schäffer invents the first manual washing machine.

1882
First Electric Iron

Henry W. Seeley invents the first electric iron.

1933
First Detergent

Proctor and Gamble's detergent, Dreft, is the first synthetic detergent ever created

1934
First Wash-a-teria

The first wash-a-teria opens its doors in Fort Worth, Texas.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Get Gnarly Day

Local businesses can encourage their communities to ‘get gnarly’ by hosting unique challenges or offering unconventional services. A coffee shop might introduce a ‘Gnarly Brew’ with an adventurous flavor profile, or a gym could run a ‘Gnarly Workout Challenge’ for a week. Retailers could curate a selection of ‘gnarly gear’ for adventurous customers, while restaurants might feature a ‘Gnarly Dish’ that pushes culinary boundaries. Promote these initiatives on social media using #NationalGetGnarlyDay to engage customers.

National Get Gnarly Day FAQs

When is National Get Gnarly Day?

National Get Gnarly Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, July 29, inviting everyone to break free from routine and inject some bold energy into their day. It’s the perfect mid-week opportunity to try something new.

What does 'gnarly' mean?

Originally meaning ‘knotted’ or ‘twisted,’ the term ‘gnarly’ evolved in surfing culture to describe dangerously large or challenging waves. On this day, it’s used to mean something exciting, extreme, or unconventional, encouraging a positive embrace of the difficult.

How can I 'get gnarly'?

Getting ‘gnarly’ can involve anything from trying a new, challenging recipe to learning a basic skateboarding trick or taking an unfamiliar route on your daily walk. The goal is to step outside your comfort zone and embrace something a bit wild or unconventional.

When was National Get Gnarly Day founded?

National Get Gnarly Day is a relatively new holiday, having been founded in 2016. It was created to inspire people to challenge themselves and embrace the exciting, unconventional side of life.

National Get Gnarly Day Activities

  1. Find a gnarly new style

    Do something gnarly and fun with your look or your room. Try a new hair color, or get a new tattoo or piercing. If you want to redo your room, add a quirky decor piece or paint your wall in a fun pattern. Do something that you wouldn’t usually do!

  2. Find a gnarly hobby

    Today is a good day to enroll yourself in a class that teaches you skills that you have never learned. Sign yourself up for something adventurous like fencing, surfing, or even mountaineering.

  3. Throw a gnarly party

    Organize a gnarly party and ask the invitees to turn up in whacky costumes. For the food, you can try cuisines that you have never had before. Experiment with the decor and music, too.

5 Gnarly Surfing Facts That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. The longest surf ride

    The record for the longest surf ride ever recorded was set by Panamanian surfer Gary Saavedra — he rode an artificial wave created by a powerboat for a whopping three hours and 55 minutes.

  2. The most money made by a surfer

    Kelly Slater holds the record for most money made by a surfer in one year when he made $3 million in 2009 — he is the most successful surfing champion in the world.

  3. Surfing as a hobby ain’t cheap, initially

    The initial cost for taking up surfing as a hobby is about $640

  4. The most people on a wave

    The most amount of people to ride the same wave were approximately 120 at the 2009 Earthwave Festival in Cape Town, South Africa

  5. One of the oldest sports on Earth

    Surfing is among the oldest sports on Earth — while the precise origin of surfing is uncertain, prehistoric stone carvings in Chan Chan in Peru, dating back 5,000 years, show people surfing

Why We Love National Get Gnarly Day

  1. It’s a lot of fun

    National Gnarly Day is meant to be a day of fun. Doing something exciting and fun today can be a break from our everyday monotony.

  2. It encourages us to try something new

    When we settle into a routine, we hesitate to try something new. If you have been meaning to try out a new hairstyle or skateboard to work instead of taking the bus, then National Gnarly Day is the perfect day to do this.

  3. It’s a day to get together with friends

    Doing something gnarly becomes more fun with friends. Gather your friends to try out a gnarly hobby or throw a gnarly party — the more the gnarlier!

National Get Gnarly Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 July 29 Wednesday
2027 July 29 Thursday
2028 July 29 Saturday
2029 July 29 Sunday
2030 July 29 Monday