Irish family surfs in Newport Beach as Christmas tradition

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- A unique Irish Christmas tradition was celebrated by a local family in Newport Beach on Friday.

The annual Dublin Christmas swim became a Christmas surf for Hugh Finlay when he moved to the United States in 1995.

Going surfing without a wet suit on the chilly holiday turned into a full blown tradition when he met his wife Melissa a few years later, and for the last 18 years, Hugh has gotten in the water, while Melissa cooks authentic Irish food on the beach.

It's a piece of home for Hugh, who even rides a surfboard painted like the flag of Ireland.

As the tradition grows each year, they invite more friends to join the party.

Watch Greg Lee's full report on the special holiday tradition in the video above.