CA: Black Surf Santa Cruz Breaking Barriers

In Santa Cruz, a new chapter of Black history is unfolding on the beach and in the water, a place where Bella Bonner did not always feel comfortable despite growing up just a few blocks away from the coast.

"I grew up not feeling like I belonged in the water, never really seeing myself represented, which was a huge barrier and a reason why I never sought out to access surfing myself."

Bonner's feelings changed after a paddle-out ceremony for George Floyd, where she found others with similar experiences. And just like that, the nonprofit Black Surf Santa Cruz was born.

"This group has changed my life. My relationship with the ocean and with the water really changed the trajectory of my own life."

"This board was a gift to us from Swell Cycle Surf."

The mission of Black Surf Santa Cruz is to promote physical and spiritual healing through surfing, education, and recreation.

"Being able to build community will change your perspective, it will change your mood. And I think that's the best way to get into something is to find the community."

It doesn't matter if you're just starting out or are an expert.

Members say there is power and representation in seeing yourself reflected in spaces where access has not always been equal.

"I think it's important for this story to be told because it leads to empathy, compassion, and understanding."

"It's a way to tell other people's stories. I think that kind of having this monolithic idea of what surfing looks like in your head is too restrictive."

The group hosts an annual Juneteenth Liberation Paddle Out, and they also offer free surf lessons, helping people connect with the ocean, but also learn about the history of the sport.

"A lot of people don't know that surfing has Native roots to West Africa, and so a lot of the participants and even my own surf experience and journey, has felt like this sort of a homecoming."

"We get to enjoy the ocean, we get to reclaim these pieces of our past, because it's all about growing and learning, and connecting as a people."

And for this group, the ocean isn't just a place to ride waves; it is a place to heal, to belong, and to feel right at home.