Black Surfing Association

Pan African Film Festival

2012-01-26T13:51:00.001-08:00

Please come and join us at this fabulous event! Advanced ticket purchases available here:

http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=l498z6iab&oeidk=a07e5ino10v7c397c8b

1st Annual Aquatic Reunion

2012-01-20T07:46:00.000-08:00

http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=l498z6iab&oeidk=a07e5ino10v7c397c8b The BSA Presents: Aquatic Reunion

This event is being held Friday, February 10, 2012 as part of the 20th Annual Pan AfricanFilm Festival of Los Angeles. The Black Surfing Association is proud to share their biggest night ever with the surfing community and larger Los Angeles community. Because your participation is important, we have reserved a block of tickets to accommodate your delegation. Advance tickets sales are prefered. Seats are limited so don't delay! click link to register and purchase your tickets.

New Year, New Wetsuit

2012-01-14T17:03:00.001-08:00

San Elijo Camp Out 2011

2011-11-24T22:13:00.000-08:00


Cardiff, C.A.

Water time!

Time for the Pot Luck

Working on dinner

Paul coming through with more goddies

Veggies on deck!

Cheers!

Greg all done with his Sunday morning Surf


Didn't get the whole crew but here's a parting shot! See ya Next Year!

2011-10-26T18:45:00.000-07:00

2011-10-26T18:42:00.000-07:00

Going Right (Without Televising the Revolution)

2011-10-10T20:25:00.000-07:00

September South West Swell: A lot of fun :-)

2011-10-03T22:05:00.000-07:00

Malibu First Point, 9/2011

Early September SW Swell-Anyone Else Get some?

2011-10-01T18:24:00.000-07:00

Head High+ Sunset Beach 9.2.11

Dynamic Duo!

2011-09-18T19:44:00.000-07:00

Amara Green: Varsity Water Polo, Watsonville High School

Kasem Green: Varsity Water Polo, Watsonville High School.

Amara Green: Varsity Swim Team, Watsonville High School.

ATTENTION ALL GROMS: SURF YER BRAINS OUT!

2011-09-14T19:18:00.000-07:00

Good day all.

I hope this finds you and yours are all well. On behalf of the Malibu
Surfing Association, I want to personally invite your club's groms and
juniors to participate in our 2nd annual 'Surf Yer Brains Out'
contest, to take place Sunday, October 16th at First Point Malibu.

Last year's contest was the first event at Surfrider Beach held
*exclusively* for groms and juniors and one of our efforts to promote
the sport's next generation.

There are no date conflicts with other surfing series: Volcom, WSA, or NSSA.

Online registration is now underway for SYBO. You'll find full event
information below.

Thanks and we're looking forward to another fun, safe event. As
always, our best wishes to you, your families, and your club members.

Regards,
Michael, MSA

----------------------------------
SURF YER BRAINS OUT
----------------------------------
. a 1-day contest for groms and juniors
. Sunday, October 16th, 2011
. First Point, Surfrider Beach
. 4-person heats
. professional judges
. boys and girls; shortboarding and longboarding
. First Point's only contest exclusively for groms and juniors

== ONLINE REGISTRATION **NOW OPEN**
http://xnsinc.org/info/2011sybo/register.php
. $60 per entrant, per division
. competitors will receive: an event tshirt, a pre-contest ice cream
party, free lunch, tickets for a competitor raffle, and a cert. of
participation
. an open-entry event, contest spots will be filled on a first-come,
first-served basis
. this event SOLD OUT last year

== DIVISIONS
. BOYS U12 SHORTBOARD
. BOYS U14 SHORTBOARD
. BOYS U18 SHORTBOARD
. BOYS, OPEN LONGBOARD
. GIRLS U18 SHORTBOARD
. GIRLS, OPEN LONGBOARD

White Wash the movie West Coast Premiere Friday 9/9

2011-09-08T19:33:00.000-07:00

Please know that the movie "White Wash", is showing Friday Sept. 9th at the Leammle Sunset 5 theater in West Hollywood and will continue to show for one week at that location. The film is a discussion about the Black Aquatic Tradition and the struggle for freedom and equality at the beach. The film makers, Ted, Orion and Dan will be at the 9:55 PM screening of the film. Some of us are planning to attend to show our support and to celebrate it's completion. If you are interested, please join us at the showing. It should be momentous occasion. peace rickb

PAN AFRICAN BEACH DAY / BSA SURF CLINIC

2011-08-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

Hey BSA,
I know it's a little late this year but we've scheduled the first Pan African Beach Day for next Sunday 8/21 at Dockweiler Beach.
If you haven't been there in the past, it's a community beach day where the BSA provides beginning surf instruction from 10 - 2pm.
We provide the wetsuits, surfboards and boogie boards so people can experience the fun of riding waves with BSA members providing the instruction and safety.

PAN AFRICAN BEACH DAY / BSA SURF CLINIC

WHAT: ALL DAY COMMUNITY BEACH DAY WITH SURF INSTRUCTION PROVIDED BY BSA MEMBERS FROM 10a.m. - 2p.m.

WHEN: EVERY 3RD SUNDAY OF THE MONTH (IN THE SUMMER AND THROUGH THE WARM WATER MONTHS)

WHERE: DOCKWEILER BEACH (AT THE END OF IMPERIAL HIGHWAY) AT FIRE PITS ADJACENT TO LIFEGUARD TOWER #51
WE'VE MOVED THE SURF CLINIC TO THE JETTY AT TOWER #49 ( NO SHORE BREAK)

So come on down and get to know some of the other local BSA members and help share the stoke! Bring some food and drink and Invite those family and friends that have been asking you about surfing

BSA President Greg Rachal (323) 573-6885

Jamaica Surf

2011-08-05T00:22:00.000-07:00

by Billy Wilmot

Power to the People!

2011-07-01T18:12:00.001-07:00

A Mid Week Run down to Trestles

2011-06-14T21:52:00.000-07:00

Cotton's Point from Damien Baskette on Vimeo.

My New Pig

2011-06-09T11:25:00.001-07:00

Oink!

First Solid South Swell of the Summer

2011-05-22T20:41:00.000-07:00

Dave, Will and I after a session in North Malibu Thursday morning.

Went out for a second session closer to home that afternoon and it was Firing!

My new stick and weapon of choice for the weekend, hanging out with my buddies fish after a hard day at the office

I ran into Dave, Will and his kids at Sunset on Sunday to round off a solid run of swell!

ALL PHOTOS BY DAMIEN BASKETTE

Remembrance & Paddle Out for D.K. (Part II)

2011-05-15T18:23:00.000-07:00

ALL PHOTOS BY KEN SAMUELS

Remembrance & Paddle Out For D.K.

2011-05-15T11:35:00.000-07:00

ALL PHOTOS BY DAMIEN BASKETTE

DK's Paddle Out

2011-05-09T00:35:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone,

The Paddle-Out for "DK" is this Saturday, May 14th (see flyer)

Directions: Take the 10 freeway west , Exit 4th street and turn left, go to Pico Blvd. make a right, go 3 blocks and make a left on Ocean Bl. The entrance to the beach parking will be 2 blocks down on the right. You can drive down the hill to pay for parking or use the meters on Ocean and walk down. Look for the sign-in table on the bike path to your right.

We're asking everyone to get there about 8 o'clock so we can start promptly at 9. Afterwards we would like everyone stay and hang out for a little food, drinks(no alcohol), and music to celebrate the DK's life. Please bring a chair or two and something to contribute to the potluck.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at 323-573-6885.

Thank You,

Gregory Rachal

BSA President

Opening Day at C-Street

2011-04-19T01:30:00.000-07:00

November 3, 2010. The first decent NW swell of the season rolled through town, and Ventura was dishin out overhead sets. My 10'0" Silver Spoon with my weight behind it happens to excel in these conditions...

Custom Wetsuit

2011-04-15T15:55:00.000-07:00

You know, my surfing motto is: If you're going to stare, I'll give you a reason to do so.

Here is yet another reason (as if seeing a black woman with a custom board in a 1965 Ford station wagon isn't enough). I can't fit the off-the-rack suits well. They aren't made for the likes of me and my curves. So now I only buy custom. This is custom wetsuit #4. Now I'm ready for summer!

Rincon Invitational 2011

2011-04-02T19:11:00.000-07:00

Parking lot Pre-Game! I rolled up with some peeps about 2hs before our heat.

And wasn't the only one.

However some of us got there early to take advantage of the great surf.

Getting ready almost time for our Heat!

Rob Woods was good enough to come over and let everyone know the rules!

Basically go out with your friends, share some waves and have as much fun as you can!

So that's what we did! Jeff and Robert on a little Jem!

Me n Remy sharing one of many!

Workin to make that Corner!

Remy Killin It

If ya can't manage to share the wave then ya gotta show off some Style...!

Robert Chapman

DameinB

Ed Prudhomme

Andrea Kabwasa Super Stylin!

Sharon Schaffer

Robert Chapman & Danny Augusta

Remy and DamienB

Consider the Stoke Shared!

Man that was Fun!

And here is your 2011 Rincon Invitational BSA Surf Team! It's safe to say, once again everyone had fun at the event. And as an added bonus for the second year running the BSA came in Second Place for Most Shared Waves
Nice going Team!

Post surf the grill came out and so did the surf stories!

Good Times!

With members traveling from San Francisco to San Diego we had a great turnout this year! And for those who braved the weather and stayed the night, the party moved on to The Carpenteria State Park Campgrounds. Luckily the Rachal's came through with their mobile kitchen in a trunk and everything else just fell into place.

I hope everone had a good time cause i know i did! I wanted to thank everyone for taking the time out of their busy schedules to make it down because we couldn't do it with out ya!

Till 2012...keep Surfin!

ALL PHOTOS BY DAMIEN BASKETTE & KEN SAMUELS

2011 Rincon Invitational (Sister Girl Waves)

2011-03-29T20:46:00.001-07:00

Andrea ripping with style

Mary channeling Greenough

ALL PHOTOS BY KEN SAMUELS

Black surfers Influence on Black History

2011-03-04T10:45:00.000-08:00

I spoke with a friend a last week who suggested that I go to Borders Bookstore and take a look at the book, "AFRICAN AMERICANS IN LOS ANGELES" by Karen L. Stanford, Ph.D. I was really surprised to see that the cover was a 1950's beach photo. It made me feel proud to see that we've always had a connection with the ocean and the beach. As I thumbed through the various pages for a little dose of Black History, I came to chapter 8, "A New Generation" and there on page 116 was a 2009 photo of the BSA sharing their message at Dedon's "Pan African Beach Days" event. It really let me know that the freedom that we have and the joy that we feel is really special and it is really significant to the entire Black cultural experience. We are truly the lucky ones...

We Are Family

2011-02-24T05:37:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, this fact is easy to forget. We're not all related by name, by bloodline or even by home break. Nevertheless, the BSA is a family of surfers. There are times when we don't act like it. Then again, this happens in real families as well. Most of the time, though, we are as one. We are a tight-knit group whose bond is strong enough to weather any storm.

As the BSA sits down to prepare to memorialize our brother on the sand and in the water, we must also bear in mind that the loved ones he left behind on land need our assistance. The family is in need of donations for DK's funeral. If you can help, this is the information you will need:

Chase Bank
Savings account number: 2984199154
Routing number: 322271627
Account name of Libby Davis (DK's wife)

Information about the funeral will be given as soon as the arrangements are made. Preparations for DK's paddle out are being finalized as we speak.

The Ranch: Thank you David Keetin

2011-02-22T19:35:00.000-08:00

Hey David,

I remember this day clearly. You kept asking me to venture out of my comfort zone and drive North with the guys to surf the Ranch. I had heard stories of how big it could get at the Ranch from Rick (and I was not havin' it).

Everyday you would ask and everyday I resisted. Frankly, I was a big chicken. But you kept pushing and encouraging me to give it try. You told me that I had the skills to handle the Ranch (I wasn't so sure about that). Anyway, you finally managed to get me to get over my fears and come with you to surf the Ranch.

Lucky for me the surf was crappy and closed out. You were disappointed but I was secretly relieved! I was also happy to have been given that push from you to venture out of my comfort zone. You always encouraged me to travel more. You always pushed me to explore more surf destinations (you planted that seed for surf travel).

Thank you David. I will miss your generosity and your stoke.

In Memory of David Keetin

2011-02-22T11:04:00.000-08:00

This message is to our friend that passed on this weekend. His name is David Keetin....R.I.P.- DK. Thank you for your friendship and all that you have done for me and for the development of our organization. In my mind you stand amongst our all time BSA legends in your pursuit of furthering BSA world travel and international relations. You are truly an adventurer who took us with you. I will never forget you. peace

R.I.P. David Keetin

2011-02-19T12:41:00.000-08:00

Today we lost a good brother, with a beautiful soul and even bigger heart. Well known and cherished for his enthusiasm and love for life and surfing, David was a world traveler who represented the BSA and shared the stoke wherever he went. I can personally attest to the fact that he took me under his wing, happily passing on all the knowledge acquired from spending 30 plus years in the water. It's impossible to say how many lives he touched, but i do know he was loved and will forever be missed.

Thanks for the memories my Brother, I know you'll be watching over us all with a big smile on your face.

Rincon Invitational

2011-02-13T18:10:00.000-08:00

Ok BSA,
Last year we showed up but had a hard time putting together a team and had to borrow some people at the event to fill in.
Lets get our team together early and hopefully get a good surf time too.
I'm making a list of people interested in surfing, so hit me up by email. firedriver@ca.rr.com and let me know. There is an entry fee, but the more people we have the less each person has to pay!
If you don't know, this is one of the only times you may be able to surf Rincon Point with 10-15 of your friend for about 45mins! It's a team event and we will be scored on a number of different criteria like- number of waves, number of people on a wave, longest wave etc.
It's going to be either the 26th or the 27th of March, so check you schedule and jump on board!!!

Andrea on Liquid Salt (an Online Publication)

2011-01-26T22:27:00.000-08:00

Liquid Salt published an interview with Andrea. It's, in a word, amazing. The entire article is reprinted below.

Andrea Kabwasa

by Mary Mills · 8 comments

Andrea Kabwasa is a California surfer, artist, and teacher who exudes stoke every minute of the day. The joy she feels while surfing is evident in the style and poise she exhibits on every wave. Andrea exemplifies all that is right about this thing we call “surfing.“

What was your life like growing up?
Our family traveled a lot when I grew up. Every couple of years, we would pick up and move to a new, and very different, part of the world. It’s all kind of a blur really—except, of course, for bits and pieces that stayed lodged into my long term memory… like watching my parents dancing at a friends party in Ethiopia. They seemed really happy. Or drinking fresh spring water squirting out of a cliff in a jungle on our way to our family clan’s main village of Aten, Congo. I remember jumping into the Kwilu River in Kikwit. My sisters and I loved riding the river’s current. My aunts would always scream hysterically that hippos and alligators would eat us. We never believed it. Our dad said it was just superstition.

I also have memories of always wanting to be close to my sisters, Celine and Florence. Celine gave me backbone and exuded fun. Florence always let me sleep in her bed when I was afraid at night. I remember making my first free throw shot at a local park in Hawthorne, California. It surprised me so much I lost my breath. There are so many random, and not so random, memories scattered throughout my life growing up.

When did you get your first surfboard?
Age 32. That was the year of major epiphanies for me.

What was the feeling you had when you first stood on a surfboard?
I can’t remember really. I do, however, remember how I felt afterwards—happy. I had forgotten what that felt like, to be truly happy without a care in the world (even if it was only for an hour). Needless to say, I was hooked.

Who did you look up to and admire when you were a young woman?
What is young? I feel younger now than ever before. When I was 12 and under, I looked up to my sister Florence. At around 13 to 20 years of age, I looked up to my sister Celine and my mom. Between 20 and 30, I fell in love with artists. Charles White? His figures felt monumental to me. Jusepe de Ribera? His intense subject matter and masterful figure painting blows my mind. Basquiat? His paintings speak to me for their childlike style. Yet, at the same time, the paintings are complex and layered, like jazz music. Basquiat cracked that secret “kid” code. I envy that.

Of all the places you have traveled to, what place in particular stands out and why?
France, Southern Baja and Southern California are all important to me for different reasons. France stands out because of the traumatic boarding school experience. It haunted me all my life. Surfing and counseling was the cure. Southern California is the only location that has truly felt like home to me.

Southern Baja stands out as my place of rebirth. I had the longest noseride in my life in Baja. It lasted so long that I closed my eyes, looked up to the sky with my hands raised to the sky and said “Thank you.” This ride changed me internally, completely and forever. I found my heaven here on Earth while surfing. I feel so blessed, humbled and grateful for this opportunity to feel pure happiness in the midst of all the troubles that are occurring in our society.

Who or what inspires you?
Creativity, music, the ocean and wave riding.

What is the greatest thing you have learned in your life?
That is a tough question for me… I tend to look at life lessons in non-hierarchical terms. In my view, the act of learning is organic. I know that all lessons learned, lead to a healthier and happier me. If I had to choose a consistent theme in most of my life lessons, then it would to value “change”. Surfing is all based on movement and learning how to adjust/adapted to change successfully (without fighting it).

Do you have any regrets or wish you had done something differently?
Student loans. Oooooh, I regret them so much!

What are you most proud of?
Another tough question … I guess the moments in life that show me that anything is possible. I feel happier within myself these days. I’m proud of that.

What meaning does surfing hold for you and how has it changed your life?
Short version? Surfing saved my life. Long version? When I discovered surfing, I was trying to recover from the psychological effects and residue of an abusive relationship. Surfing gave me joy and happiness when I hadn’t felt happiness in years. I will never forget my drive home after my first surfing lessons. I was filled with a pure happiness, the kind of happiness that wasn’t connected to anything or anyone. I was simply happy.

So, for me, surfing is happiness, love and self-empowerment. The act of interacting with water cleansed my inner spirit. Before surfing, the lens from which I viewed life was pretty dirty. I was filled with low self-worth and, at times, I made some pretty self-destructive choices. Surfing redirected that energy in a positive direction. When I surf, I feel beautiful. I’m a starting to feel beautiful on dry land too now.

Did your artwork change when you started surfing? If so, in what way(s)?
My art work is a reflection of how I feel emotionally. Before surfing, my artwork had a sad, emotional undertone to it. Then, surfing allowed me to experience happiness on a daily basis. As I began to heal within myself, so too did my artwork. Lately, I mind surf on canvas. I paint my versions of what I believe Paradise would look and feel like. It’s fun to paint my surf dreams. The icing on the cake is when my surf dreams come true. That’s a total trip!

What brings you the most happiness in the world?
Happiness is those rare moments when you are so completely locked in, that you feel like you are dancing in harmony with life itself. Each wave has a different rhythm and a different dance. I like wave-dancing. It makes me happy.

Who are some of the people you feel are shaping the path for surfing today?
Cyrus Sutton is important. I love the “Surf Sufficient” posts on his website, Korduroy.tv. The site is all about helping you learn how to do-it-yourself. Learning to surf sufficiently is a concept that I hope will help shape the path for surfing today and in the future. I also think style will always shape the path of surfing. Surfers that stylistically excite me are Derek Hynd, Tyler Warren, Jimmy Gamboa, Julie Cox, Joel Tudor and Kevin Connelly.

What is your favorite board?
I have three boards on rotation. My Tim Phares Fluid Drive (Combat Model) is my favorite. Thank you, Tim!! I am more of a fin addict than a quiver junkie. My fins allow me to breathe new life into my old surfboards. I love figuring out how a fin’s design, and/or placement, changes the feel of my ride. I have fun exploring how fins enhance my sliding options.

Your favorite surf spot?
To date, Scorpion Bay, Surfrider Beach and Saladitas.

What’s your favorite meal?
My favorite meal is an Ethiopian meal eaten with friends and family. Ethiopian food is served in a huge round platter and you eat with your hands. You grab the food with a sour, doughy, flat, pancake-like bread called injera. For the appetizer, vegetarian samosas. For the main course, dorot wot, kitfu, awaze tibs, yellow and red lentils, cooked cabbage with potatoes and carrots along with fried trout.

What are you currently listening to on your iPod?
My summer downloads included Lauryn Hill’s “I Gotta Find Peace of Mind,” Xavier Rudd’s “No Woman No Cry,” Sublime’s “Doin’ Time (Uptown Dub),” Indigo Swing’s “My Baby Just Cares for Me,” Sade’s “Babyfather” and Kate Nash’s “Nicest Thing”.

What are you most grateful for?
I am grateful for my family’s love. I am grateful for the oceans and surfing. I am grateful for my drinking water. I am grateful for creativity. I am grateful for the students that I love to teach. I am grateful for Southern California weather. I am grateful for my friends. I am grateful for my planet. This list could go on and on. There is so much for me to be thankful and grateful for. Life is beautiful and I am thankful I have the opportunity to experience it.

What’s next for Andrea Kabwasa?
Some sort of change.

Photography credits: Ken Samuels (top photo, surfboard art, portrait). Barrel photo by Jack Hudkins and soul arch photo by JD Massey.

RB Paddle Out Reflections

2011-01-26T05:09:00.000-08:00

I'm so proud to be a part of a community, our Black surfing community that displays love compassion and respect for the many others who walk this similar journey on the planet. We are the lucky one's who have gotten the chance to be free and to live our dreams. Those dreams do come with risks, but life has always been risky. Together we gathered to celebrate Zama's life and to acknowledge his peaceful transition. And together there we dipped into our Mother Ocean. Once again I felt the warm connection deep inside that only sharing service with other surfers seems to bring. Thanks to Andrea for organizing and Mary, Ken, Rusty, Sharon, Marie, Donna, Dave and Will for their participation.

Panel Discussion at the CAAM

2011-01-24T21:23:00.000-08:00

All photos by Ken Samuels

BSA Paddle Out for South African Surfer

2011-01-22T23:29:00.000-08:00

All photos by Ken Samuels.

Stupid Surf Shop Ad that Caused Such a Fuss

2011-01-19T23:19:00.000-08:00

I'm posting it here for posterity. Thalia Surf Shop pulled the ad, which had appeared on its online site, after many complaints. The ad generated so much attention that the uproar even made it to the television news. So, here it is:

BSA Paddle Out

2011-01-18T21:35:00.000-08:00

When: Saturday 1/22/2011 @ 9am

Where: Inkwell/Bay Street Santa Monica

What to bring: Your surfboard/boogie board and a flower (offering)

Zama was a beautiful young black South African surfer/waterman who loved the ocean. Please find the time to come a show your respect and to honor the life of a gifted young surfer.

16-year-old South African Surfer Dies in Shark Attack

2011-01-16T09:40:00.000-08:00

SOUTH AFRICAN SURFER DIES IN SHARK ATTACK( surfline )
16-year-old becomes fifth shark victim at Port St Johns in last three years
January 15, 2011

Zama Ndamase, a 2009 Surfing South Africa Scholarship recipient, died today in a horrific shark attack. The 16-year-old was surfing with his brother, Avuyile, and other members of the local surf club at Second Beach in Port St Johns when the attack occurred. The talented surfer is the fifth shark victim at this notorious beach in the last three years. Four of the attacks have been fatal. According to reports, Zama managed to catch a wave after being bitten and attempted to reach the shore. Tragically he bled to death in the water before he could be rescued by the lifeguards and rescue craft. View Non-Flash Version
Zama was one of the most talented surfers to emerge from this remote region and was a leader among the up-and-coming waveriders in the area. He represented Border at the SA Grommet Games and at the SA Junior Championships in Cape Town last October. He was awarded a SSA Surfing Scholarship in 2009 along with fellow Port St Johns surfer Zitobile Msesiwe.

Representatives and members of Border Surfriders Association, Surfing South Africa, Zama's long time coach and mentor Mike Gatke, his East London based teammates and the local surfers are devastated by the tragedy.

Malcome Logie of the BSA said of Zama: "He was a young guy, full of spirit and always ready for a laugh. He was always willing to help his teammates and enjoyed giving the younger surfers encouragement and advice. Border was looking to him to play a leading role in our team this year. His passing leaves us numb and with a huge sense of loss."

There is real concern that the surfers who were in the water during the attack will not be able to cope and plans are being made to send a counselor to the area to help the locals handle the tragedy.

The Port St Johns community is poor and there is precious little money to assist the Ndamase family deal with their grief nor are there funds available to pay for the costs of sending a counselor to help the community. The Border Surfriders Association and Surfing South Africa are therefore appealing for support to cover these expenses. All funds raised will be used to assist the Ndamase family with expenses and contribute to the costs of sending a grief counselor to work with the family and the community.

Any donations can be made to the following account:

Surfing South Africa
FNB Rondebosch 201509
50170019142 (current account)

Please include your name, contact number or email and ZAMA as the reference.

Compiled by Robin de Kock, General Manager, Surfing South Africa

A Perfect Day in North LA!

2010-12-27T12:04:00.001-08:00

BSA-San Elijo Campout-2010

2010-11-17T19:00:00.000-08:00

For those who couldn't make it. A quick glimpse of what was missed...
For the Full HD version click the Vimeo button on the player.

BSA-San Elijo Campout-2010 from Damien Baskette on Vimeo.

2010-11-11T19:19:00.000-08:00

I bought my 10' Bing: gold standard at the beach for $650 two summers ago . I've been its lucky owner for ever since. I generally ride my Bing in 2'-4' surf. Malibu; first point and Sano' is where I have the most fun with it.

My Bing is a heavy board. It glides super smooth; especially down the face of a (point break) wave. Its weight makes your drop-knee turns feel more substantial. The weight also allows you to drag out a more "soulful" bottom turn.

The board has a deep concave (that's past the balance point of the board). So the water traveling underneath really holds you up nicely on the nose. This makes the front third of the board feel unbelieveable stable; giving you the confidence to play around more (as far as footwork maneuvers is concerned).

I love this board. I look forward to learning more about what it can do.

Jason G's Quiver (Adorable Child Included)

2010-11-04T14:20:00.000-07:00

Quiver

2010-11-02T18:26:00.000-07:00

Board on the horses: 9'3 very and very thin Takayama Single Fin Pin Tail

Board leaning on the horses: beat up old 9.0 Model T

From Left to right (All Takayama's)

9'6 In the Pink

9'4 Howard Special (first proto type 1 of 1)

9'6 NR2 (I ride this board the most)

9'6 Tudor Flow Model

9'10 In the Pink

9'10 Model T

9'10 Red Fin (Classic Nose Rider)

10.0 Model T

Far Right (Left to Right )

7'8 Flo Egg

7'10 Egg

Summer Day at Sunset

2010-11-01T15:16:00.000-07:00

It was really summer time though the boots and 4/3 make that hard to believe!

It was a few weeks after picking up my new board and this was the first real swell I'd gotten
out on

I was happy to say that the 10' Bing Silverspoon worked great! Really came alive on these playful shoulder to head high waves and a buddy even caught a few on film.

And a dreary day in the middle of the work week meant the crowd in the lineup was minimal, can't ask for much more!

Jamaica

2010-10-31T21:57:00.000-07:00

This spot is in Jamaica and the surroundings were amazing, solana took a small boat to get across but I swam and the waves were pretty round.

Soul Session

2010-10-30T19:25:00.000-07:00

I remember this session... I was so into the moment, that I closed my eyes to fully embrace the experience. Thanks JD Massey for catching this magical ride on your camera.

Next Generation

2010-10-30T19:04:00.000-07:00

Kasem is among our next generation of watermen. Here he is at his Junior Lifeguard training in Santa Cruz, California.

My Kid's Future as a Filmmaker is in Doubt

2010-10-28T18:22:00.000-07:00

Then again, what parent with any sense would expect an 8 year old to hold a camera still?

2010-10-27T14:44:00.000-07:00

I read the piece about mat surfing and the beauty of that prone perspective. Here I am enjoying that view. I agree that there is something special about being that close to the waves energy. Rickb Topanga Point 2006

San Elijo Camp Out

2010-10-25T19:26:00.000-07:00

San Elijo State Camp Grounds San Diego, California...

Time to set up!

8am and the waves are calling!

Someone's ready to hit the water!

Ed looks ready to go too!

Shawna's all done...

Rusty managed to make it down for some morning surf too.

Watching Greg and Sam Rip it up

Greg workin' the inside

Get it Sam!

Looks like it's a wrap for Greg'

Sam and Greg discuss the morning's session

Post breakfast rest time!

The Crew's debating another go at the waves and consensus was..."Let's Do It!"

Not sure if Greg's convinced though...

We even had a lovely sunset.

And the potluck dinner was off the hook!

The weekend went by way to quickly and after another group session at Cardiff in the morning it was time to pack up...

For everyone who managed to make it down, Good waves, and Great times were had by all!

Can't wait to do it again next year and a mid winter trip to Ventura to snag some of those NW swells may be in order. Stay tuned there's video footage a coming!

Travel-12

2010-10-25T15:36:00.000-07:00

Secret spot in front of Kevin Costners house. It was empty and I got some of the longest backhand barrels I've ever had in cali at this spot.

Travel-11

2010-10-25T15:34:00.000-07:00

Kona highway on the north shore. Beautiful time of year but when is it not beautiful in hawaii.

Travel-10

2010-10-25T15:30:00.000-07:00

So on a layday we took the zodiac up into these mangroves and visited a small village where there were dozens of children who broke out in laughter and joy when they spotted us, I guess the norm is to bring the kids candy but we didn't have any. Oh by the ay these people were probably head hunters 50 years ago.

Travel-9

2010-10-25T15:24:00.000-07:00

This is Nokandui and me and one other guy were the only ones that went out and it's amazing how so many perfect waves go unridden each day you just have to go find them. My buddy broke his board on a thick one and I was left with this perfection by myself once again.

Travel-9

2010-10-25T15:12:00.000-07:00

This day we were the only boat around and scored it to ourselves. I can't remember how many waves I got like this.

Travel-8

2010-10-25T15:09:00.000-07:00

The Mentawais are scattered with little islands with perfect waves you have so many choices small waves, big waves, This is in an area called playgrounds because thats just what it is a big playground, cool thing is when one spot blows out you just boat around the corner to a spot thats offshore.

Travel-7

2010-10-25T15:07:00.000-07:00

This is Darren our test pilot he worked on the boat and when we got to a spot that looked too shallow we sent him out to test it. What a job.

Travel-6

2010-10-25T15:04:00.000-07:00

It took us a couple of hours to boat to this spot and I was suffering from sea sickness so I sat this session out. Yes I regret it.

Travel-5

2010-10-25T14:58:00.000-07:00

This is a shot of A Frames and I believe it was my first session this trip and the boat was parked rather far from the break, I was too impatient to wait for the smaller boat to take me over so I paddled which was freaking far and scary because I hate swimming in deep water but when I got there I was the only one out so I really didn't mind :)

Travel-4

2010-10-25T14:43:00.000-07:00

one of my favorite shots and I'm sure most of you have seen this photo but don't know the story. Well on this day at maccas it was rather crowded and difficult to get one of the good ones so I decided to paddle outside and up the point a bit you know sit a bit deeper than everyone else and it paid off too, as I was looking down at the water zoning out on the reef I hear a scream (OUTSIDE!) I look up and see this bomb headed right for me and after that I heard screams at me go! go! go! I remember my heart pumping with excitement and dropping in and hearing the sound of the wave surrounding me and it being so windy inside the barrel it was so surreal and amazing and LOUD! it was why I became a surfer this exact moment until..... I got caught behind a foamball and fell, the wave then picked me up and over and i slammed but didn't hit bottom, I recall trying to put my arms over my head because I thought for sure I was gonna hit reef, the wave was so strong I couldn't lift my arms over my head and it ripped both my booties offbut after that wave a got rid of any gidders I thought I had. At the end of the trip I run into a guy in this hotel who was a cook on one of the boats and he told me he got the shot of me on the bomb, I was so stoked when he showed me. big props to the cook!

Travel-3

2010-10-25T14:34:00.000-07:00

The reason why we fly 18 hours and sail for an additional 13 halfway across the world. For surfers when we come across something like this it's like finding buried treasure. This is a spot called telescopes and on this day it was absolutely mad! There were only two boats so it wasn't hard grabbing one of these gals, I remember how sore my body was when this shot was taken and I was just surfed out this day killed me.

Travel-1

2010-10-25T14:29:00.000-07:00

This is me and a friend grabbing a drink at LAX before departure to the mentawais.

Travel-1

2010-10-25T14:21:00.000-07:00

This is in Taiwan during the S.A.R.S scare, we weren't sure how real it was and didn't see anyone wearing masks on the flight over but when we landed and exited the plane we could see everyone in a mask, even the airport workers were wearing them which sketched us out so we broke ours out and waited anxiously for our connecting flight to padang.

Travel

2010-10-25T14:07:00.000-07:00

The great thing about being a surfer is that it brings us to travel more than the non-surfer to strange exotic lands and experience beautiful cultures that you wouldn't normally experience unless you were a surfer. I started the hunt for waves at an early age (18) I was tired of seeing perfect waves in the magazine every month so I decided to explore but I do regret not documenting the early years of my travel because behind every photo lies a story a story the viewer might not see or understand, the folowing are a few stories from the past.

Cardiff

2010-10-24T14:57:00.000-07:00

I heard the BSA was having a camp out in Cardiff this weekend so I stopped by and caught a few waves with my BSA family. I had a very nice time and caught a few nice ways which was a bonus.

Surf Mats Make You Smile

2010-10-22T22:06:00.001-07:00

Photo: Ken Samuels

I'm slowly getting the hang of riding a mat. I still can't cut back. As a matter of fact, I haven't really mastered turning. Nevertheless, I'm enjoying myself in ways I can't describe. There are some days when I just don't feel like standing up on a board, but I still want to get wet. That's when I get out on one of the mats. Yes, I have more than one. I may have a third before the year is up since 4th Gear Flyer in particular makes a variety of mats.

I can honestly say that riding prone, as I'm sure Adam will agree, allows you to see the wave from an entirely different perspective. I think every stand up surfer should at least ride a mat, bodyboard or handplane in addition to a surfboard. Being able to see and feel the wave as it's forming, and then being level with it (as opposed to standing over it) as it evolves, is truly magical. And you won't know this unless you try it.

Jam Master Jay Had Mad Flow!!

2010-10-22T21:36:00.001-07:00

Original Surfing Photo: Ken Samuels

I made this picture awhile back when I just felt like playing around with Photoshop. Originally, I was in the picture. That's my red, black and green Black Power surfboard that JMJ is riding. I chose him to be in the shots because there was something about his pose that made me think it would work on a surfboard. And I was right!

(I would give photo credit to the photographer from whom I stole the image of Jay if I knew who it was. The RUN DMC photo where I found Jay is all over the internet . . . without giving credit where credit is due. Just know that if it's your photo, I know this and I appreciate you!)

Addendum: I think the JMJ shot is from a picture Glen E. Friedman did of RUN DMC. I'm not sure, but I looked at some of his shots and found one picture in which the entire group was wearing what JMJ has on in this picture. So I'm thinking this is a GEF shot. Thank you, Glen, for your work throughout the years, particularly your shots from the early days of hip hop. You're incredible!)

Ever Tried a Surf Mat?

2010-09-11T09:17:00.000-07:00

Photo: Ken Samuels

Don't knock it until you try it. Surf mats are faster than both boogie boards AND surfboards. You know there must be something to them if George Greenough (arguably the father of modern surf fins and the man whose innovations helped to usher in the shortboard revolution) stopped surfing long ago. He only rides mats now. His reasoning? A mat gets you closer to the wave. You're down there almost at the level of the water.

Why a mat and not a boogie board? Well, both are loads of fun. A mat, though, is malleable. It molds to the wave since, yes, it is an inflatable surf craft. When the waves get bigger, you put less air in. When the waves are smaller, more air. You can literally adjust your surf craft, to fit the changing conditions, while you're out in the lineup.

Bottom line: these things are more fun than anyone can articulate. Every surfer's quiver should include a mat . . . and a handplane . . . and a bellyboard . . . and some swim fins . . . and a good attitude.

BSA Surf Trip 2010 Vol2

2010-08-04T13:33:00.000-07:00

Playa Saladita

I arrived a week late and missed surfin with all the crew, but at least made it for the group photo!

Casa Verde in all it's splendor

Jeff walkin out after a session at the Ranch

Lunch time! One of the best parts about the Ranch!

Greg and Sam making use of a post rainy day in Mexico...time to make the folks at home jealous!

Blue water turned Brown...not the best look...

A little Sunset dinner near the house

DK, doin it!

Me snaggin one on the 9'0" Walden Magic

Greg Rachel on a wave that took him all the way into shore!

Sunset

Surfing Camp Corky Carrol on a sick overhead wave.

He's still got it!
Yes he made this section, and took this wave left into the bay until it reformed and took him back Right and dropped him off on the beach in front of the house 15 sec. later...It was Sick!

Ed Prudhomme workin' the inside

Inside on the Rasta Fish

Now for the Twinzer to put in a little work!
Twas a fun trip with Goodtimes had by all..can't wait till next year!

HOW WE ROLL.....Opening reception January 28, 2010 @ CAAM 6pm

2010-07-21T18:00:00.000-07:00

(BSA member, Rusty White.........card design by K'Dub)

BILLY WILMOT: A JAMAICAN SURF LEGEND

2010-07-16T11:15:00.000-07:00

BSA Surf Trip - Playa Saladita 2010

2010-06-29T16:42:00.000-07:00

Pan African Beach Days @ Dockweiler State Beach

2010-06-12T21:45:00.000-07:00

Pan African Beach Days @ Dockweiler State Beach

Third Sunday of each month starting June 20 through October 17, 2010 at Dockweiler State Beach

View Larger Map
Fee Parking however there is limited free parking on the hill above the beach, arrive early!

Marvin Foster - Rest In Peace

2010-05-20T02:46:00.000-07:00

Black Surfer, Marvin Foster, has transitioned.

Accordning to ESPN, "Foster burst onto the surf scene in 1980, joining the ASP World Tour and earning Rookie of the Year. As a goofy-footed surfer, Foster is widely credited as one of the first people to go left at Waimea Bay, a predominant right-breaking wave. He was one of the original invitees to the Quiksilver Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational."

Another Saturday at 1st Point 4/17/10

2010-04-21T02:27:00.000-07:00

Twas another great day and the crowd was minimal...I could start getting used to this...!

Malibu Blackout Shots 4/10/2010

2010-04-12T22:37:00.000-07:00

Un-Named surfer hangin a couple off the nose

And Making a quick Exit!

Max, Adam and Greg getting a little air time...

Our Fearless leader spreading some knowledge...

Andrea tryin to get me in the water for my second session of the day.

Enjoying The Cove from the Front of the Board

2010-02-21T21:24:00.000-08:00

JAMAICANS WIN SURF SCHOLARSHIPS

2010-01-27T13:32:00.000-08:00

ARMANI GREEN & RONALD HASTINGS

WIN 2010 ISA SCHOLARSHIPS

Armani Green and Ronald Hastings, two of Jamaica’s junior surfers, are recipients of International Surfing Association Scholarships. The ISA announced the recipients of the 2010 ISA Individual Scholarship Program during the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championship in New Zealand.

The ISA Scholarship Program has consistently grown since it first started in 2007 due to the generous funding from Billabong, The Quiksilver Foundation and Reef Redemption, and the continued support from ISA member nations.

For 2010 the ISA has issued 25 scholarships to Under 18 junior surfers from 20 different countries. The ISA received 77 applications from 29 countries for this year’s program.

ISA President, Fernando Aguerre said about this year's Scholarship Program: “I believe the ISA Scholarship Program is a huge step forward for the ISA to contribute to bettering the lives of junior surfers around the world. Together, we are supporting the dreams and hopes of good students who are also good surfers.”

After careful review by the Scholarship Selection Committee, the ISA announced the following surfers as ISA Surfing Ambassadors. The recipients are inspirational human beings, great surfers and avid students who want to succeed in surfing and school.

The 2010 ISA Scholarship Recipients are:
Ana Martina Gainza – Argentina, Armani Green – Jamaica, Belko Contreras – Chile, Benjamin de Castro – Angola, Carlos Cervantes – Mexico, Cesar Reyes – Ecuador, Colby Stanley – Spain, Donghoon Kim – South Korea, Hussain Rasheed – Maldives, Ian Ross Schweden – Trinidad and Tobago, Jarred Veldhuis – South Africa, Jean Carlos Gonzales – Panama, Jean Carlos Mendez - Costa Rica, Juninho Urcia – Peru, Mahorahora McLeod – New Zealand, Mamadou Mbengue – Senegal, Marissa Shaw – United States, Miluska Tello – Peru, Naomi Kabayashi – Japan, Nicolas Bulla – Venezuela, Papi Makanyane – South Africa, Roger Vuuanza – Angola, Ronald Hastings – Jamaica, Tassy Swallow – Great Britain, Tobias Ortells – Argentina,

“We are very proud of Armani’s and Ronald’s achievements over the past 5 years” said JSA President Billy Wilmot. “They have matured into responsible and conscientious young men and are role models for young Jamaicans everywhere. 14 year old Armani has represented Jamaica in international competition Ecuador last year and 12 year old Ronald is one of the most improved juniors. They are focused and have conducted themselves admirably on all occasions. I am sure this scholarship will go a far way towards their personal, academic and athletic development.”

As ISA Individual Scholarship recipients, Armani and Ronald will serve as ambassadors of the ISA and the sport of surfing and will be involved in the ISA’s world wide promotional campaign associated with the program. The ISA supports athletes who are interested in bettering their surfing and education, but most importantly being an example and inspiration to other human beings.

Armani Green

Ronald Hastings

(Photos courtesy of Jamaica Surfing Association)

Offshore Peelers at Sunset

2010-01-14T18:07:00.000-08:00

Another day of Great Surf as the Winter of 2010 dishes out more perfect waves. DamienB-Caught on film tuckin' into one

Sunset was firing not too crowded and the winds were howling offshore...Pretty much the perfect setup for my 30lb-10'0" Stewart Hydro-Hull.

Lot's of people were having a tough time getting into them with the strong winds blowing like they were. It only took a quick glance at the faces of each surfer in the line up to know who had figured out the fickle wind blown waves and who hadn't...

It was either an ear to ear grin or a pained look of frustration, and not much in between. Luckily for me after three hours, and many long rides of peeling perfection, guess i don't have to tell you which group i fell into!

Board Meeting of the Board

2010-01-04T22:58:00.000-08:00

A few of the members of the BSA board got together today at El Porto for a session. While the conditions weren't epic, there was still enough out there for each member to get his or her fill of the waves before sitting down to breakfast to discuss BSA business.

President Rachal
Secretary Burton
VP Mills-Samuels

Quick Run to County

2009-12-26T18:12:00.000-08:00

I'd been checking the web cams since 7am, and there was nothing worth getting out of bed for. But by noon the first signs of the new swell were beginning to show. So me-n-my boys decided to made a run up to County! It was clean n glassy and other than the 35 minute hypothermia inducing lull mid session, some pretty waist to head high sets were rollin' in from up north...Should be Crankin' by tomorrow!!!

A Winter Solstice Day Swell at C-Street

2009-12-21T14:58:00.000-08:00

There was a Straight West Swell rolling in, and another day of glassy conditions in the forecast. So I just had to grab the 10' a couple of friends and make a run north to C-Street

Got there around 1pm and the tide was dropping, as the swell rose so the timing was perfect. The sets just got bigger as the day went on.

Condition wise I'd have to say it's been my best day at C-Street so far. Mostly glassy, not too cold, overhead sets and Loooong Noserides down the line...Can't ask for much more...!

I guess the 4:44 sunset was a bit of a downer, as it ruled out the chance of a second session on the way back south...but even that was a Dandy!

Black Folks at Venice Pier

2009-12-18T17:05:00.001-08:00

out of shape

2009-12-18T14:08:00.000-08:00

I took the 10'2 Black Fin today - I did not care that it was suppose to be 4-6 feet, I was going to P.B. and figure with the high tide the waves would be rolling.

Caught few on the outside but I after a 10 or so waves I was getting tried and lost my board on the last three six footers so I called a day, did not have the energy to swim.

I should have paddle out with a smaller board.

I am out shape, too much sutting aroud and eating resturant food.

A Fun Day at County Line!

2009-12-18T10:37:00.000-08:00

Kickin' up a little spray at CL...didn't even know i ever managed to do that!

"Gotta make the section!"

Escaping a closeout

Leaning into one

My best pelican imitation

Best wave of the day and i flubbed the takeoff...oh well can't win em all!

Thoughts for the Holidays

2009-12-11T12:13:00.000-08:00

Many of you who live or grew up in Black communities in the United States have probably heard of "Watch Night Services," the gathering of the faithful in church on New Year's Eve.

The service usually begins anywhere from 7 p.m. To 10 p.m. And ends at midnight with the entrance of the New Year.

Some folks come to church first, before going out to celebrate. For others, church is the only New Year's Eve event.

Like many others, I always assumed that Watch Night was a fairly standard Christian religious service -- made a bit more Afro-centric because that's what happens when elements of Christianity become linked with the Black Church.
Still, it seemed that predominately White Christian churches did not include Watch Night services on their calendars, but focused instead on Christmas Eve programs.

In fact, there were instances where clergy in mainline denominations wondered aloud about the propriety of linking religious services with a secular holiday like New Year's Eve.

However, there is a reason for the importance of New Year's Eve services in African American congregations.

The Watch Night Services in Black communities that we celebrate today can be traced back to gatherings on December 31, 1862, also known as "Freedom's Eve."

On that night, Blacks came together in churches and private homes all across the nation, anxiously awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation actually had become law.

Then, at the stroke of midnight, it was January 1, 1863, and all slaves in the Confederate States were declared legally free.

When the news was received, there were prayers, shouts and songs of joy as people fell to their knees and thanked God.

Black folks have gathered in churches annually on New Year's Eve ever since, praising God for bringing us safely through another year.

It's been 145 years since that first Freedom's Eve and many of us were never taught the African American history of Watch Night, but tradition still brings us together at this time every year to celebrate "how we got over."

Pass this information on so we can educate more of our Family and Friends about our History.

That day was sooo fun!

2009-11-30T17:32:00.000-08:00

Some Turkey-Day Weekend Waves

2009-11-29T21:20:00.000-08:00

11/26/09
Down at El Porto with some friends for some Pre Turkey waves...Mostly all Closeouts, but it was Peelin' earlier this week!

11/29/09
County Line had shoulder to head high sets with 4-6 knot offshore wind when we got in. Picked up to 12-20 after bout an hour, but snagged one of my best waves there in months before it really started to blow...And i got Proof!

Bajan surfer: Andre Simmons

2009-11-23T21:50:00.000-08:00

Barbados Surf

Andre is a 25 year surfer from Barbados looking to get involved in black surfing. He use to surf min twice a week for years and now he surfs when he can. He is a teacher, and worked for a summer as a surf instructor in San Diego. Now he is in the 415 area code.

Email Andre: anostra2002@yahoo.com

Buttons is a Brother!

2009-11-19T22:43:00.000-08:00

Online surf magazine Liquid Salt recently did an interview with iconic Hawaiian surfer Buttons Kaluhiokalani. As a kid, I was always mystified by his 'fro. I didn't know Hawaiians had afros. I didn't think anyone other than black folks had afros. (I've since figured out that you find afros on people of every shape, size and color.)

Anyway, the interview answered the question I'd been wondering about for decades.

How is it you were able to pull off such radical maneuvers in your career?
I’ll tell you this: I am half-Black and half-Hawaiian. So I guess it was my genetics.

Aha!!! That explains it. Buttons is a brother!! Oh yeah, he's a bad %!@ surfer too!

More Board Meeting Photos

2009-11-15T13:04:00.000-08:00

(Click on photos to see larger versions of the images.)

BSA Member: William Lamar

2009-11-11T13:35:00.000-08:00

Will is also the owner of Planet Maple Boardshop located at 4657 W. Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90016 (323)930-2823.

BSA Member: Rick Blocker

2009-11-11T11:24:00.000-08:00

Representing on Halloween

2009-11-01T11:45:00.000-08:00

Rusty is the green Teletubbie!

Chris Dennis: Trinidad & Tobago local

2009-10-18T11:00:00.000-07:00

Chris Dennis - Between Worlds - 2

“Chris Dennis - Between Worlds” is a documentary film by James O’Connor that explores the world of competitive surfing through the eyes of Chris Dennis - an extremely talented surfer born and raised in the Carribean island of Trinidad & Tobago. The film is due for release in 2010 but behind the scenes progress and updates can be tracked at http://www.jtography.com and http://www.surfcaribe.com

Photo Source:http://caribbeanwaterman.com/2009/04/chris-dennis-wins-again/

Down at Sano

2009-09-27T13:19:00.000-07:00

A couple of Sun and Surf hungry members managed to make it down to Sano for a fun filled Saturday afternoon.

Surfing in San Diego

2009-09-22T15:11:00.001-07:00

San Diego is in the House!

Join Us For A Community Gathering At The Beach

2009-09-18T12:52:00.000-07:00

Time: 11a-10p | Date: 9.20.09 |
Location: Dockweiler Beach (11401 Vista Del Mar, West Imperial Hwy by LAX)
Lifeguard Tower: 153

BSA will be giving Free Surf Lessons!!!!!!!!!!!

NOTE!: Bring Your Own: Food, wood, for the fire pits, drinks, seats, blankets, music, drums, and other personal necessities

Rumor Has it Black Women Hate to Get Their Hair Wet

2009-09-04T19:21:00.000-07:00

This Is What It's All About

2009-08-24T10:48:00.000-07:00

This letter is from Boun Prasert; one of the participants at the Paddle Out. This is what the BSA is all about. Enjoy :-)

First, I want thank the Black Surfing Association for inviting Heal The Bay to participate in the beautiful ceremony on our previous Sunday morning. To part-take was a personal blessing! I was deeply moved by the unity and the love that brought everyone together! Surfers and non-surfers alike all shared in the same oneness of love!

Even though I never met Mr. Monte Valentin, I feel like I could relate to his passion for surf and his love for our oceans! I grew up miles and miles away from the beach on 125st and Normandie! Since I couldn’t surf the oceans, I surfed the streets on skateboards with the few friends in my area that actually skateboarded! In fifth grade I got a bike and it was all over! Like Mr. Valentin, I road my bike west until I hit golden sands and blue-green oceans! It didn’t matter what beach I ended up at, all that mattered was that I was there! I imagine Mr. Valentin hear the same calls from the oceans that I did as a child, received a similar sense of excitement and fulfillment at the end of his bike rides!

Again, thanks to the BSA and the Valentin family for having Heal The Bay and myself participate Sunday! Surfers and non-surfers alike all came together to shared in the same oneness of LOVE! It was a beautiful experience! I will always carry it close to my heart! As a son, a brother, a surfer and ocean lover!

Sincerely,

Boun Prasert