Support Paul “Chow” Sampson at the
WSL US Open of Surfing 2024

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Paul Chow Sampson

“Growing up on the streets gave me a lot. I really had to decide what I wanted to do and how I wanted to move forward.”

-Paul Sampson

About Paul Sampson

Paul Sampson started surfing at the age of 6, spending his days at the beach in his hometown of Muizenberg, south of Cape Town, South Africa. Sampson quickly progressed the more he competed in local competitions and started climbing up the ranks with support from community members who identified the youngster's potential. Sampson, fondly known as 'Chow' amongst his peers, honed his incredible aerial antics in the small, onshore conditions of the beach breaks at home. This skill makes him a very dangerous competitor in all kinds of waves, and led to him winning his first-ever WSL Qualifying Series, the Cape Town Surf Pro in 2024. With another solid result at the SA Open of Surfing in Gqeberha, Sampson qualified for the Challenger Series. His goal is to represent South Africa as a black African surfer on the world stage, inspiring young kids back home to never give up on their dreams.

On behalf of Black Surfers Collective, African Surfing Alliance Surf Club, Shaun Thomson, Geordan Charles, and Wade in the Water Project, we wish Paul Chow Sampson, the club captain of the African Surfing Alliance Surf Club in Muizenberg, Cape Town, all the best as he competes in the World Surf League’s US Open of Surfing. The Challenger Series event kicks off on August 5th at Huntington Beach, and Paul will be representing with pride and passion.

Please consider donating to support Paul on his journey, and if you’re in the area, head down to the beach to cheer him on. Let’s make some noise for Paul Chow Sampson.

US OPEN OF SURFING
Three men smiling and making hand gestures at a wooden table in a restaurant, with drinks and a bright brick wall behind them.
A diverse group of fifteen people smiling and posing in a cozy living room with artwork and books. Some are making hand gestures, and a couple are holding notebooks or papers.
Three people standing indoors with arms around each other, smiling at the camera. Two of them, a man and woman, are wearing black caps with blue logos, and the man in the middle is wearing a pink t-shirt and a blue cap. Behind them is a framed display of seashells and a window with blinds.
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Surfer Paul Sampson from South Africa smiling and sitting on a surfboard on the beach with surfing event banners and tents in the background at Huntington Beach, CA.
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Giving FAQs

  • Will you take any fees from my donation?

    The platform Back a Buddy from South Africa takes a small fee.

  • How does my support help Paul?

    Accommodation Costs: Competing in international surf competitions often requires extensive travel. Donations can help cover airfare, lodging, and transportation to ensure the surfer can focus on their performance without financial stress.

    Equipment Upgrades and Maintenance: Gear are crucial for top performance. Donations can enable surfers to invest in the best equipment, ensuring they are fully prepared for each competition.

    Nutritional Support: Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for athletes. Donations can help cover the costs of high-quality nutrition, supplements, and meal plans tailored to the surfer’s needs.

    Emergency Fund: Surfing is a demanding and sometimes dangerous sport. Having an emergency fund supported by donations can provide a safety net for unexpected injuries or other challenges that might arise during the season.

  • is there a stat about Black surfers growth in the industry?

    Yes, did you know.

    • The number of African American surfers has nearly doubled, rising from 218,000 in 2019 to 423,000 in 2022.

    • Since 2014, the number of African American surfers has increased by 50%, growing from 211,749 to 423,352.

    • Black surfers make up the largest group of "casual" surfers, defined as those who surf less than eight times per year.

    • Among female surfers, 13% are Black/African American, slightly higher than the 11% representation among male surfers.

    • The overall surfing population in the United States grew from 2.9 million to 3.7 million between 2019 and 2022, with Black surfers contributing significantly to this growth.

      *SIMA Surf Industry Members Association

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