Making history, one wave at a time.
A documentary exploring 1,000 years of Black surfing and aquatic culture. Watch Part I now and support Part II, coming 2027.
THE STORY BENETH THE SURFace
Wade in the Water traces the untold history of Black surfing and aquatic culture across a thousand years — a story nearly lost to time, now being reclaimed one wave at a time. Created by director David Mesfin, the project pairs documentary filmmaking with fine-art photography to bring these stories to a new generation.
TWO FILMS, ONE LEGACY
Wade in the Water: A Journey into Black Surfing and Aquatic Culture Part 1
$4.99
Available Now: Dive into the award-winning documentary that traces 1,000 years of Black surfing history, connecting its African roots to the Americas.
Wade in the Water: Black Aquatic Heritage Part II
The story continues. Part II follows the next generation of Black surfers reclaiming their place in the water — and needs your support to reach the screen.
How You Can Help:
We are currently in final stage of post-production of our fundraising efforts and aiming to secure an $15,000. As a donor, your name will be featured in the credits.
Our Fiscal Sponsor:
As we are fiscally sponsored by the Black Surfers Collective, 100% of your donation will go directly to the film, with no administrative fees using Zeffy payment.
HELP US REACH $15,000
Rick Blocker
Donald Miller
Sloan Blocker
Skyler Blocker
Color the Water
Dale B. Davis
Jay Sadofsky
Elizabeth Sine
Eze Blaine
Chris Jones
Stephanie Allen
Jennifer Sheehan-Lyutskanov
Tara Spencer
Samra Seifu
Blair Daniels
Leah M S Walker
Amanda Horn
Gordon Algernon
Archie Boston
Alison Rose Jefferson
Zeinabu Davis
Sethina Watson
We Surf Media
James Couchell
Trina Franklin
Laura Birchett
Aaron Coleman
Rick Blocker Donald Miller Sloan Blocker Skyler Blocker Color the Water Dale B. Davis Jay Sadofsky Elizabeth Sine Eze Blaine Chris Jones Stephanie Allen Jennifer Sheehan-Lyutskanov Tara Spencer Samra Seifu Blair Daniels Leah M S Walker Amanda Horn Gordon Algernon Archie Boston Alison Rose Jefferson Zeinabu Davis Sethina Watson We Surf Media James Couchell Trina Franklin Laura Birchett Aaron Coleman