WADE IN THE WATER: BLACK AQUATIC HERITAGE PART II
MAKING HISTORY, ONE WAVE AT A TIME.

This documentary reshapes historical inaccuracies of Black aquatic culture—stories that have long been overlooked or misrepresented. As a vital reclamation of aquatic culture from a global perspective, it empowers communities to reconnect with their aquatic heritage while fostering a deeper understanding of aquatic cultural, environmental, economic, and therapeutic histories.

Your support helps preserve and celebrate these stories for present and future generations.

Watch the teaser video below for “Wade in the Water: Black Aquatic Heritage Part II”

ABOUT THE NEW
DOCUMENTARY

Genre: Independent Feature Documentary
Language: English
Duration: 120 minutes
Fiscal Sponsor: Black Surfers Collective
Tax ID 92-1330255

Set against the backdrop of historical and contemporary racial inequality in the Americas, Africa, and Polynesia, this documentary traces the evolution of Black aquatic history amid cultural, environmental, and economic challenges. It aims to build a Black aquatic heritage that serves as a steward for both our planet and culture, while raising critical questions.

We are in the early stages of our fundraising efforts and are seeking private donations to secure $300,000 in film production funding through multiple donors. We invite you to support our project with a tax-deductible donation. As we are fiscally sponsored by the Black Surfers Collective, 100% of your donation will go directly to the film with no administrative fees.

Surf the Tide of History: Your Support Reclaims the Past.

CLICK TO ‘DOWNLOAD’ PITCH DECK

MAKE A DONATION

    • Co-Branding in Marketing Materials: Brand included as a key partner in press releases, posters, and promotional materials for Wade in the Water Part II.

    • Large Logo Placement: Featured in the opening credits and prominent positioning at the end credits of the documentary.

    • Panel or Event Participation: Opportunity for a brand representative to participate in post-screening panels or special documentary events.

    • Exclusive Film Screening: Private screening of the documentary for employees or clients with a Q&A session.

    • Cross-Promotion: Mutual promotion of your brand’s message through Wade in the Water’s platforms (social media and website) and mention in interviews or articles about the documentary.

    • Social Media Campaign Feature: Dedicated social media post highlighting your brand's partnership with Wade in the Water, shared across all platforms.

    • Brand Integration: Option to include a small branded product in event goodie bags (for live events).

    • Documentary Website Recognition: Feature on the sponsor page with a direct link to your website.

    • Newsletter Mention: Acknowledgment in a special ‘Thank You’ newsletter sent to documentary supporters and mailing list.

    • Exclusive Content: Access to behind-the-scenes content and early access to digital screening.

    • VIP Event Access: Invitation to attend special premiere screenings and events with VIP access for 2 company representatives.

    • Producer Title for the documentary

    • Co-Branding in Marketing Materials: Brand included as a key partner in press releases, posters, and promotional materials for Wade in the Water Part II.

    • Panel or Event Participation: Opportunity for a brand representative to participate in post-screening panels or special documentary events.

    • Prominent Logo Placement: Medium logo featured in the documentary credits.

    • Exclusive Film Screening: Private screening of the documentary for employees or clients with a Q&A session.

    • Cross-Promotion: Mutual promotion of your brand’s message through Wade in the Water’s platforms (social media and website) and mention in interviews or articles about the documentary.

    • Social Media Campaign Feature: Dedicated social media post highlighting your brand's partnership with Wade in the Water, shared across all platforms.

    • Brand Integration: Option to include a small branded product in event goodie bags (for live events).

    • Documentary Website Recognition: Feature on the sponsor page with a direct link to your website.

    • Newsletter Mention: Acknowledgment in a special ‘Thank You’ newsletter sent to documentary supporters and mailing list.

    • Exclusive Content: Access to behind-the-scenes content and early access to digital screening.

    • VIP Event Access: Invitation to attend special premiere screenings and events with VIP access for 2 company representatives.

    • Brand Material: Brand mention in the documentary credits.

    • Social Media Campaign Feature: Dedicated social media post highlighting your brand's partnership with Wade in the Water, shared across all platforms.

    • VIP Event Access: Invitation to attend special premiere screenings and events with VIP access for 2 company representatives.

    • Brand Integration: Option to include a small branded product in event goodie bags (for live events).

    • Documentary Website Recognition: Feature on the sponsor page with a direct link to your website.

    • Website & Social Media Recognition: Shout-out on documentary website and all social media channels.

    • Newsletter Mention: Acknowledgment in a special ‘Thank You’ newsletter sent to documentary supporters and mailing list.

    • Exclusive Content: Access to behind-the-scenes content and early access to digital screening.

    • Wade in the Water Sticker

    • Brand Material: Brand mention in the documentary credits.

    • Website & Social Media Recognition: Shout-out on documentary website and all social media channels.

    • Newsletter Mention: Acknowledgment in a special ‘Thank You’ newsletter sent to documentary supporters and mailing list.

    • Exclusive Content: Access to behind-the-scenes content and early access to digital screening.

    • Wade in the Water Sticker

    • A copy of Wade in the Water Project booklet Vol 1

    • Access to Wade in the Water Part I

    • Film credit for Wade in the Water Part II

    • Access to behind the scene footage for Wade in the Water Part II

    • 11×17 film poster

    • Wade in the Water Sticker

    • A copy of Wade in the Water Project booklet Vol 1

    • Access to Wade in the Water Part I

    • Film credit for Wade in the Water Part II

    • Wade in the Water Sticker

    • $50 - $499

    • A copy of Wade in the Water Project booklet Vol 1.

    • Film credit for Wade in the Water Part II

    • Wade in the Water Sticker

WADE IN THE WATER II
DONORS AND SPONSORS

DONORS

DONORS PROVIDE FINANCIAL SUPPORT

SPONSORS

SPONSORS PROVIDE IN-KIND SUPPORT

INDIVIDUAL DONORS

Rick Blocker

Donald Miller

Sloan Blocker

Skyler Blocker

Color the Water

Dale B. Davis

Jay Sadofsky

Elizabeth Sine

Eze Blaine

Chris Jones

Rick Blocker Donald Miller Sloan Blocker Skyler Blocker Color the Water Dale B. Davis Jay Sadofsky Elizabeth Sine Eze Blaine Chris Jones

TOTAL IMPRESSION 163M

Aggregated impressions since 2020 for Wade in the Water Part I across press, social media, CRM, distribution, and film festivals. We aim to double the impressions for Wade in the Water Part II and grow our partnerships with your support to reach a larger audience and create a greater impact.
163M Result

WADE IN THE WATER PART TWO SECURED TALENT

  • Dr. Kevin L. Dawson

    Author and Department of History & Critical Race & Ethnic Studies

  • Caroline Colling, PhD, MFA

    Funder of Black Like Water and Assistant Professor at UC San Diego

  • Kris Primacio

    CEO of Surf Therapy Organization

  • Vipe Desai

    Executive Director of Surf Industry Members Association (SIMA)

  • Risa Bell

    Founder of Paddle for Peace

  • Paul "Chow" Sampson

    Professional Surfer / South Africa

  • Wilmot Family

    Rastafarian Surf Family / Jamaica

  • Ryan Harris

    Founder of ECO by RY

  • Maya Duarte

    Sociologist, Surfer and Model / Brazil

  • Erica Prado

    Surfer and Journalist / Brazil

  • Monik Santos

    Professional Surfers / Brazil

  • Yanca Costa

    Professional Surfers / Brazil

  • Rabbi Jerrord Goldstein

    Retired Rabbi and Activist

  • Sahara Faye

    Surfer and Model / Oahu

  • Prince Asante Sefa-Boakye

    Founder of Black Star Polo

  • Autumn Kitchens

    Surfer and Editor

  • Kory Lamberts

    Founder of The Aquatic Future Foundation

  • Yowar Mosquera

    Founder of Casa Yow Surf / Colombia

  • Andrea Motley Crabtree

    First female US Army Deep Sea Diver

  • Yulissa Rivas Bonilla

    Professional Surfers / Dominican Republic

  • Dr. Tiara Moore

    Founder of Black in Marine Science (BIMS)

  • Tom Victor Carroll

    World Champ and Former Professional Surfer

PROJECT IMPACT

Our goal is to enhance meaningful engagement with the film with your support. We aim to foster backing for the protagonists and their social causes, generating positive change in the world, as we did with Wade in the Water Part I.

  • Achieved over 163 million impressions across various platforms.

  • Supported logistical capacity for nonprofits in collaboration with Los Angeles Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell.

  • Elevated the voices of the global BIPOC surfer community through post-screening Q&A sessions.

  • Contributed to the development of the independent Black surf film The Ride.

  • Made the documentary accessible to members of International Surf Therapy Organization (ISTO).

  • Partnered with Video Project to make the documentary available for educational and institutional rentals.

WAYS YOU CAN BE A SPONSOR

Host Fundraising Events: Organize small gatherings, virtual screenings, or community events where attendees can learn about the documentary and contribute to its funding.

Offer In-Kind Support: Provide services, equipment, or resources (such as venue spaces for screening Wade in the Water Part II) that help reduce production costs, freeing up funds for other areas of the project.

Become a Fundraising Ambassador: Join the project as a volunteer fundraiser by reaching out to personal networks, businesses, or local organizations to promote the project and collect contributions.

Corporate Matching Donations: Reach out to employers to inquire about corporate matching gift programs, where companies match donations made by employees, effectively doubling the support.