ABOUT THE PROJECT

Discover the Untold Stories of Black Surfing Legends

Created by David Mesfin, an award-winning creative director and multidisciplinary designer, the Wade in the Water project includes a full-length documentary paired with a series of limited-edition fine art portrait prints and NFTs.

Mesfin’s inspiration came in the wake of the global movement for racial justice in the U.S. and beyond following the series of hate crimes in 2020, including the murder of George Floyd by a police officer in Minnesota. Channeling his creative energy into something that he envisioned would give back to his community, he started Wade in the Water. Breaking barriers in the world of film, Mesfin positions Wade in the Water to honor the historical and contemporary relationship between Black people and the ocean, and explore the undying, intergenerational energy of Black waterwomen and watermen. The ultimate intention of the project is to inspire and support the next generation of Black surfers, specifically Black youth, by connecting them to the powerful roots of Black surfing’s legacy.

For more information about David’s experience in creative direction and multidisciplinary design, visit www.davidmesfin.com

A TWO PART PROJECT to inform and inspire

Documentary Film

Wade in the Water: The Documentary (2024) examines the often overlooked history of Africa's 1,000-year-old surf tradition spanning from Senegal to Angola. Piloted by historical experts and community leaders in the BIPOC surfing movement, this cinematic film traverses historical footage and recreations, photography, original illustrations, live-action footage, and interviews. Ushered by the compelling narration voiceover, we begin our journey with Prof. Kevin Dawson from UC Merced as he chronicles the evolution of aquatic African culture from the first written account of surfing in the 1640s to the American context of the 1800s. Moving into the 1900s, we proceed to honor the lives, legacies, and struggles of Santa Monica's pioneering African American surfers with independent historian and heritage conservationist Alison Rose Jefferson, M.H.C. | Ph.D. Jefferson provides us with an in-depth historical context of the first African Americans to arrive in Santa Monica, as well as their encounters with the Jim Crow laws that legalized and enforced racial segregation in California's coastal cities. We then sit down with Rick Blocker, a Black surfing advocate, Sharon Schaffer, the first African American pro woman surfer, Tony Corley, founder of Black Surfing Association in 1975, Greg Rachal, co-founder of Black Surfers Collective, and Vicky Williams, who surfed with Nicolás Rolando Gabaldón in 1950. Nick was the first documented Black and Latino surfer in Southern California. In addition, the documentary features insights from Selema Masekela, an American television host, sports commentator, actor, singer, and surfer. Introducing us to the pioneers of the past and present generations that have maintained this 1,000-year-old African surf tradition and its spiritual principles, these community leaders are establishing accessible pathways for BIPOC to participate in surfing, women's surf clubs, and public policy that promotes environmental stewardship and protection.

20% of the proceeds from art sales are pledged
to 5 non-profit organizations

15 portraits of activists, pioneers, and future leaders in SoCal’s intergenerational BIPOC surf community are featured in the film, overlaid with leaves of the African Fern Pine (Afrocarpus gracilior). Each NFT includes a cover of the song "Wade in the Water" by Reggae artist Luciano, Sahfilli Matturi (Founder of Sofly Surf School), and Sierra Raequel. The NFTs are available on Vast.app, an eco-friendly marketplace.

  • Black Surfing ASSOCIATION

    Established in 1975 by Tony Corley. He began organizing informal fundraisers for junior swimming and lifeguard programs after learning that Black children were statistically much more likely to drown than white children in the United States. He went on to submit a letter to the editor of SURFER in hopes of finding fellow Black surfers who would be interested in connecting and surfing with him. SURFER published that letter in January 1974, which prompted a slew of responses. The organization continues to empower Black youth in Southern California and Rockaway, New York in partnership with Lou Harris.

  • BLACK SURFERS COLLECTIVE

    Established in 2011, the BSC promotes diversity and cultural awareness in the sport of surfing through community-based activities, outreach, and camaraderie.
Our goal is to sponsor family-oriented activities that get folks down to the beach to share the love of the ocean. These seaside events are used to generate public interest in the sport, the history of surfing, beach culture, and ocean stewardship.


  • SOFLY SURF SCHOOL

    Sofly Surf School was founded by Sahfilli Matturi. Sahfilli grew up in Long Beach, has over 15 year of experience surfing and started a surf school based in Sunset Beach (OC) in 2021 with some of his friends to pass on the stoke. Sofly Surf School provides free classes for all ages and experience levels on every second Saturday of the month. Their goal is to foster community through the fun, healing, and uniting force of the ocean.

  • COLOR THE WATER

    A community for BIPOC to reclaim space in the ocean, Color The Water began as a way to fight racism with joy after the murder of George Floyd. We started to offer free surf lessons and media for BIPOC in the LA area. Now we are a diverse, inclusive, anti-racist safe space for hundreds of BIPOC surfers.

  • Black surf club Santa Cruz

    Black Surf Club Santa Cruz aims to tear down barriers that oftentimes keep our oceans segregated. By taking a strategic focus on both physical and spiritual wellness, Black Surf Club Santa Cruz aims to create a community of healing for our Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Community here in Santa Cruz. Black Surf Club empowers the Black community to reclaim their space in the ocean through surfing, spiritual wellness, water safety, and community.

ADVISORS

Beyin Abraha - EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

Born in Ethiopia, of Eritrean descent, and raised in Toronto, Beyin’s introduction to surfing came through a college roommate. He’s been hooked ever since. 

In his day to day life, Abraha works with Beats by Dre as a Mechanical Product Design Engineer specialized on in-ear headphones. He has also enjoyed similar positions at Apple with the iPhone design team as well as at Tesla working on the iconic Model 3 electric vehicle in the past.

As an active community member, Abraha is the project manager and founding member of Sofly Surf School, an organization that gives free surf lessons in Huntington Beach, and holds the position of vice-chair on the board for PaddleforPeace, an organization offering holistic approaches to introducing people to the practice of surfing and protecting the ocean. 

After being contacted by David to be featured in Wade in the Water (2023), Beyin’s passion for surfing and community connections soon saw him transition into an integral role of bringing the project to life on shoot days as well as behind the scenes making sure things are on track.

  • Professor Kevin Dawson

    Meet Kevin Dawson, Associate Professor of History and Chair of the Interdisciplinary Humanities Graduate Group at the University of California, Merced. With his acclaimed work, "The Undercurrents of Power," and the prestigious Harriet Tubman Book Prize under his belt, Prof. Dawson delves into the intricate aquatic culture of West Africa and explores the spiritual essence imbued in maritime traditions within these vibrant communities.

  • Alison Rose Jefferson, M.H.C. | Ph.D.

    Alison Rose Jefferson, a third-generation Californian and an esteemed independent historian, focuses her research and professional endeavors on illuminating the African American journey in Southern California during the significant periods of the Great Migration and the Jim Crow era. Notably, Jefferson authored "Living the California Dream: African American Leisure Sites during the Jim Crow Era" (University of Nebraska Press, 2020), shedding light on vital aspects of African American life and leisure during a pivotal time in California's history.

  • RIAN RHOE - PR (THE SIDEWAY LIFE)

    Rian Rhoe's journey in the outdoor and action sports industry is one of true dedication and passion. As the visionary behind The Sideway Life, she's not just an entrepreneur but a storyteller, sharing genuine narratives with those who make a difference. We're honored to have her expertise and support as we strive to connect with an even broader audience.

  • Alitash Kebede Gallery

    Alitash boasts an impressive history collaborating with esteemed artists across diverse disciplines. In 1994, she launched her inaugural public gallery, swiftly captivating both novice and seasoned collectors alike. A founding member of the Photographic Arts Council at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and an ArtTable affiliate, she also serves as a board member at the Watts Willowbrook Boys and Girls Club in Los Angeles. There, she collaborates with artists and museums to cultivate enriching art programs tailored for children.

  • THE Rachal FAMILY

    Greg Rachal, a co-founder of the Black Surfers Collective (BSC), stands as a prominent figure in Southern California's BIPOC surf community. Together with his wife Marie and son G-Man, they bring invaluable perspectives on the role and impact of Black surfers within the community.

  • Rick Blocker

    Born in Los Angeles, [Name] melds a diverse educational and professional background with a deep love for surfing. With a BA from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a teaching credential from California State University, Dominguez Hills, he retired as a kindergarten teacher from LA Unified School District. Alongside roles as a purchasing agent, advertising director, and film production secretary for notable films, [Name] has been an active member of the surf community since 1964. He contributes as a team rider and historian for various organizations, and he founded Blacksufing.com to honor Black surfing culture.

  • Wondwossen Dikran

    Wondeossen is a seasoned production specialist boasting over 15 years of experience crafting compelling narratives for both scripted and unscripted TV and film projects. His work has brought joy, intrigue, and inspiration to audiences worldwide. Currently serving as the head of entertainment development and production at Falkon Content, he continues to lead innovative storytelling ventures.

  • Samra Seifu - Writer

    Our copywriter has elevated our social media brand storytelling to unprecedented heights. With a fervent dedication to community, human rights, entertainment, and culture, they infuse our content with passion and purpose.

  • Xahil McDonald - Writer

    Xahil, an up-and-coming writer and avid surfer, is driven by a desire to make a difference in the world. Recruited by Executive Producer Beyin, Xahil leverages his creative prowess to devise innovative strategies aimed at broadening the reach of Wade in the Water.

  • Michael Warner and Ellie Altomare

    Imagine pairing a double Emmy Award-winning Producer with a seasoned Marketing Consultant boasting over 25 years of creative industry expertise. The result? Invaluable storytelling partners who not only grasp the vision but also wholeheartedly support the cause. With their guidance and extensive network, they connect you with artists, sponsors, allies, and collaborators who play pivotal roles in shaping your project and propelling it forward to new heights.

  • Eric Schnabel

    Eric Schnabel stands as a trailblazing figure in the marketing industry, adept at merging cutting-edge digital technology with traditional advertising craftsmanship to forge impactful brands. As the co-founder of Facebook Creative Shop and a board member of Free Spirit Media, he's a driving force behind Challenger Brands. Eric is committed to fostering personal growth and championing diversity within teams, firmly believing in the power of people to drive success.