AVAILABLE NOW TO RENT OR BUY ON STREAMING PLATFORMS

WADE IN THE WATER:

A JOURNEY INTO BLACK SURFING

AND AQUATIC CULTURE

  • Includes subtitles in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French

  • Includes subtitles in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French

  • Discussing Selema about his father, Dr. Hugh Masekela's journey from South Africa to the U.S. aided by international friends for his studies in America.

  • Blooper from the interview session

  • Includes Subtitles in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French

  • Director David Mesfin inspiration and objective for the project

  • 16 min version of the Sneak Peak video with additional interviews

  • A prominent Black surfing advocate, explores the rich history of Black surfers in Los Angeles.

  • Discussing Selema about his father, Dr. Hugh Masekela's journey from South Africa to the U.S. aided by international friends for his studies in America.

  • Big wave surf session with Julian Williams cast member of Wade in the Water originally from Hawaii

  • Blooper from the interview session

Wade in the Water Trailer

WADE IN THE WATER: A JOURNEY INTO BLACK SURFING AND AQUATIC CULTURE

Wade in the Water: A Journey into Black Surfing and Aquatic Culture reclaims the 1,000-year-old tradition of Black surfing. Braiding historical accounts with modern-day testimonials, the film dismantles the racial barriers of conventional surf culture, delves into the overlooked history of Black surfing's legacy, and honors its current movement—inspiring the next generation of Black surfers.

Streaming Partners

  • AMAZON VIDEO DIRECT

    Available now for rent or buy

  • VIMEO

    Available now to rent or buy

  • PBS Hawaii

    Available on PBS Hawaii

  • BLACK EXPERIENCE ON XFINITY

    Available on Comcast August 1st

  • VIDEO PROJECT

    Are you an educator, festival, or organization interested in licensing one of our film for your class, event, or installation?

  • Garage Entertainment

    Garage boasts the world's most comprehensive adventure sports film and TV library. Representing WITW in Australia and New Zealand territory.

Exclusive Interview: Director David Mesfin Discusses 'Wade in the Water' on KTLA5

“A must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of sports, culture, and history.”

— WithItGirl

“By uplifting the history of surfing originating in Africa, this film provides a powerful education and message of belonging.”

— Los Angeles County Supervisor
Holly J. Mitchell

“Because of the film, we've had several groups join us in exploring the joy of surfing! I can't thank David enough for his generousity, time, and participating in an engaging Q&A session during the screening. We hope to share the film in the future with more audiences in our area in the hopes of bringing the joy of surfing to the metro ATL area, and inspire the next generation of BIPOC surfers!”

— Tara Spencer / SurfATL

COLLECTION

Shop the limited edition collection.