an expression of pure joy, enthusiasm, and excitement as the result of simply riding a wave. It creates a love of life that embraces unlimited freedom and infinite possibility.
Who is this for?
All human beings
Black aquatic historians
Surfers of African descent
Those allies who are interested in the truth
Those surfing in the African Diaspora
“BIPOC” surfers (Black, Indigenous, People of color)
Those who are interested in knowing more about the shoulders that they are now standing on.
Surf historians
Surf research
Who am I?
My name is Rick Blocker and I have been surfing through six decades of culture and history. Although I have seen and experienced many of the surf industries contradictions, I have always sought to effect positive change from both inside and out. I have been uniquely positioned to live and to tell an interesting story from a perspective often ignored. I wish to share it with you now, as best as I can. I am so proud and encouraged by the new generation of BIPOC surfers worldwide. You are the ones that I have always dreamed of.
Why am I doing this?
I want to acknowledge those legends and pathfinders that have gifted me this wonderful life and to recognize those that are today continuing this rich legacy and tradition. My goal is to bring our larger international BIPOC surf community together in a way that we might better embrace each other as family on this common journey.
The internet has allowed us to finally be united in this movement.
blacksurfing: Organizations, Collectives, and Movements
Sometimes, waves of change come from within, and the black surfing community has been steadily writing its own path to inclusion.
Inspired by pioneers like Nick Gabaldón and Frank Edwards, America's first documented African American surfers, and new-age performers like Michael February, Cherif Fal, Hunter Jones and Victor Bernardo have raised awareness and exposure for brown-skinned athletes in pro surfing.
Today, there are dozens of groups and organizations promoting surfing and more racial diversity in water sports. Here are some of the largest coalitions supporting black surfers and reclaiming their right to ride the perfect wave.
Black Surfing Association
The Black Surfing Association was founded in 1975 by Tony Corley to create a community that Black surfers could participate in. Although there were many surf clubs, blacks were rarely allowed to join. The BSA created the first all inclusive safe space for many black and surfers of color.This non-profit organization offers free surfing and skateboarding lessons to children and runs year-round workshops. It has chapters in central coast CA and Rockaway Beach NJ
Black Surfers Collective
The Black Surfers Collective was founded in 2011 by Gregory Rachal and Jeff Williams to promote diversity within surfing and raise cultural awareness against racism in the sport. It is an intergenerational community dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive and empowering space for all people in the ocean and the great outdoors.
Color the Water
Color the Water was founded by David Malana and Lizelle Jackson to fight racism and celebrate black culture after the murder of George Floyd.The social justice organization runs free surfing clinics for all Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and provides resources to those who want to learn more about the history of black surfing.
Movimento Surfistas Negras
Movimento Surfistas Negras (in English, Black Surfers Movement) was founded in 2019 by journalist and former pro surfer Érica Prado.The group wants to stimulate the debate on racism in surfing and show that black athletes exist, are talented, and have good results in the Brazilian championships.
Textured Waves
Texture Waves was founded in 2019 by Chelsea Woody, Danielle Lyons, and Martina Duran to spread the word and culture of women's surfing toward underrepresented black women.The team aims to amplify the voice of women of color in surfing to create social change and promote inclusion and diversity in the water.
Surfear Negra
Surfear Negra was founded in 2018 by Gigi Lucas to bring more cultural, gender, and identity diversity to surfing.This 501c3 organization runs programs designed to make surfing accessible to young girls of color and provide surf instruction to school students.
Black Girls Surf
Black Girls Surf was founded in 2014 by Rhonda Harper to train black girls and help them become professional surfers.This non-profit surf therapy and performance training organization manages women's surfing teams in several countries.
Brown Girl Surf
Brown Girl Surf was founded by Farhan Huq and Mira Manickman to amplify the voices of women of color surfers and create a more diverse, joyful, environmentally aware, and rich women's surf culture.The team runs community surf programs for women and girls interested in expanding their contact with the ocean.
Soma Surf
Fighting gender inequality through Surf Therapy Programs, while contributing to the sustainable development of São Tomé island, Africa 🇸🇹
Ebony Beach Club
We believe that time spent at the beach is a catalyst for the greatness instilled within all of us. To share the ocean with others is a blessing, and we aim to uplift each other for the greatness that we all embody both in & out of the water. Sending the message to the next generation of black & brown children that the ocean is a place where they can free their spirit and connect with nature is the ultimate goal of Ebony Beach Club. A community focused on welcoming the next generation to access a space that our ancestors were long denied. Founded by Brick in 2020.
Intrsxtn Surf
Jesse Williams founded Intrsxtn Surf in 2021 to create a safe space for women who might otherwise feel like surfing wasn't for them. Connecting with the ocean can be a powerful and truly healing experience. I just want other Black Women and Women of Color to know that this is something that's for us, too! I understand the barriers that can keep our community from the experience of surfing. With Intrsxtn, we remove some of these barriers to entry by providing equipment and lessons (taught by an all WOC crew) - all for free. Intrsxtn Surf has provided hundreds of Women of Color with their first-ever surf experience.
Sofly Surf School
Our purpose is to provide those of underserved backgrounds, especially those of African descent, the opportunity to experience surfing and nature as a way to promote healthy living, spiritual healing, and joy throughout Southern California and beyond. Founded by Sahfilli Matturi aka “Sofly” along with team members Ashley Dawkins and Beyin Abrahms.
Black Surf Santa Cruz
Our mission is to promote mental, physical, spiritual, and communal healing through surfing, recreation, education and advocacy. We do this by intentionally centering and celebrating Black people, Indigenous people, and other communities of color here in Santa Cruz California. Founded by Isabella Bonner in 2020
Laru Beya Collective
Laru Beya Collective is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the historically excluded youth of the Far Rockaways through surfing. Laru Beya means “on the beach” in the language of the Garifuna; a culturally preserved and unique Afro-Indigenous people still residing throughout Central America and the Caribbean.
Girls Surf Jamaica
Surf Girls Jamaica is Jamaica’s first and only, all-girl surfing club. Founded and operated by Imani Wilmot, an award-winning surfer and role model to Afro Caribbean surfers in Jamaica and around the world and is based at the Jamnesia Surf Club in St. Andrew, Jamaica.