The first written accounts of surfing in Africa predate accounts of surfing in Hawaii by 100 years. In his new movie, Wade in the Water, documentarian David Mesfin asks: What else have we glossed over in the history of Black surfing? The result is a stunning look at Black suffering and Black joy, and how a group of people who have been stereotyped as avoiding water actually have a deep and meaningful history with the ocean.

March 5, 2025

By Paddy O’Connell

Over the summer, around 150 people gathered with surfboards at Cowell Beach in Santa Cruz, California, for a paddle out. Under the midday sun, dedicated surf enthusiasts, novices and those who’d just picked up a board for the first time entered the water.

By Will Higginbotham

"Wade in the Water: A Journey into Black Surfing and Aquatic Culture" by writer, director, and producer David Mesfin. This award-winning film, now available for streaming on wadeinthewaterproject.com, explores the deep connections between the African American community and the ocean. Join us on a journey of identity, resilience, and cultural rediscovery.

By Sam Haddad

Some filmmakers put in years and years of work before they release something that changes people’s lives. As a Creative Director at INNOCEAN USA, Mesfin has designed award-winning marketing campaigns for the auto industry, but on his very first documentary, he struck nerves and hearts.

By Jon Coen

Mesfin’s riveting doc begins with the first written account of surfing in 1640 and rides swiftly into the 1900s, illustrating the lives, legacies, and struggles “of Santa Monica’s pioneering African American surfers; thoroughly recounting their clashes against Jim Crow laws that legalized and enforced racial segregation.

By Declan Gallagher

When film director David Mesfin discovered that the first documented surfers were off the coast of Africa in 1640, nearly 200 years before anywhere else in the word, he was stopped in his tracks.

By Siraad Dirshe

David Mesfin’s journey into the world of Black surfing and aquatic culture began with a simple yet profound desire: to shed light on a lesser-known aspect of surfing and to highlight the significant contributions of Black surfers to the sport and culture. Initially, the project was conceived as an art endeavor, featuring portrait photos of Black surfers from his community.

Certain films come along that so powerfully tell certain stories — and certain histories — that you watch them in disbelief, thinking, I can’t believe that I didn’t know all of these fascinating things, and such important facts. Wade in the Water is such a film. It will open your eyes, inspire you, introduce you to some incredible people, and, it might change you.

By Jonathan Ellsworth

“In 10 years of wave riding, I’ve only met two Black brothers who’ve saught the sensuous pleasures found in the tubes of Mother Ocean.” Those are the words Tony Corley wrote in a letter to SURFER Magazine in 1973 hoping to find and gather Black surfers together amid a culture that has not always been accepting of them. Two years later he founded the Black Surfing Association to further his goal.

June 3, 2024

By August Howell

Water has often been depicted as a threat to Black and African communities, a perception deeply embedded in historical trauma, such as the harrowing deaths of African slaves at sea, and entrenched racial stereotypes. On World Ocean Day, I engaged with African pioneers in water sports who are committed to diversifying activities like diving, water polo, surfing, and swimming both in Africa and worldwide.

May 1, 2024

By Kofi Dotse

Digging at the Roots Vol. 33.1

David Mesfin’s film Wade in the Water explores Africa’s rich aquatic history and the modern Black surfing experience.

By @_christopheduvivier

Wade in the Water wins two silver Telly Awards

The Wade in the Water team is proud to share that we’ve won silver in the 44th annual Telly Awards! We’re proud to be honored among so much excellence in video and television.

May 23, 2023

David Mesfin and Beyin Abraha describe the ocean’s power to heal

FEB 21, 2023

By Dave Prodan

History of surfing in African and Southern California with authors Kevin Dawson Ph.D, Alison Rose Jefferson, M.H.C. | Ph.D., and director David Mesfin.

FEB 17, 2023

By Kaj Goldberg

Proud to announce that we have won GOLD at the 2nd Annual The Anthem Awards. Celebrating purpose and mission-driven work, the Anthem Awards amplifies the voices of brands, organizations and people worldwide who are sparking global change.

Feb 16, 2023

David Mesfin’s documentary “Wade in the Water” inspires audiences to dive deep into the lesser known history of African aquatic culture.

FEB 12, 2023

By Douglas Davidson

We Are Royale Makes a Splash with ‘Wade in the Water’ Intro Inspired by African Myth and Basquiat

FEB 22, 2023

By Mercedes Milligan

WAR Creates Titles for ‘Wade in the Water: A Journey Into Black Surfing and Aquatic Culture’

MAR 2, 2023

By Debbie Diamond Sarto

We Are Royale Provides Opening Titles for Black Surfing Doc ‘Wade in the Water'

FEB 23, 2023

FilmWeek: 'Knock At The Cabin,' '80 For Brady,' 'Baby Ruby' And More

By Larry Mantel and Peter Rainer

FEB 3, 2023

Wade in the Water is mentioned at 30:18 min

Black people don't surf? A new documentary challenges that stereotype with historical evidence.

FEB 22, 2023

By Hermela Aragawi

Did Surfing Start In Africa?

FEB 1, 2023
By Holdern Trka

New film “Wade In The Water” looks to explore the true roots of our pastime.

Freedom Now Gerald Horne - Ayuko Babu & Charles Burnett on Black Cinema & Pan-African Film Festival

FEB 11, 2023

Interviews Ayuko Babu is the Executive Director of the Pan African Film Festival and an international cultural, political and legal consultant

Interview with David Mesfin

FEB 5, 2023
By The Alynettework

Podcast interview with David Mesfin Director of Wade in the Water.

Interview on the red carpet at Santa Barbara International FIlm Festival

FEB 11, 2023

www.Filmfestivals.com

SBIFF 23 Uncovered surprise | Wade in the Water

FEB 12, 2023

Wade in the Water with David Mesfin & Beyin Abraha

JAN 25, 2023
By Kwame La Bassiere

Out of Rockaway a podcast with director and executive producers of Wade in the Water.

Interview of David Mesfin director and Beyin Abraha Executive Producer of Wade in the Water

FEB 10, 2023

By Kellen Coleman

Santa Barbara International Film Festival Unveils 2023 Programming

JAN 18, 2023

By Katie Reul

Santa Barbara Film Fest: Lineup Revealed for 38th Edition

JAN 18, 2023

By Scott Feinberg

Santa Barbara Film Festival To Open With Abigail Breslin Drama ‘Miranda’s Victim’ As Full Lineup Set

FEB 18, 2023

By Matt Grobar

Sports Surfing Africans Are Taking Surfing Back

By Zee Ngema

March 26, 2022

Wade in the Water” Tells the History of Black Surfers

SEP 1, 2022

By Amanda Scurlock, Sports Editor

Pan African Film Festival Reimagined

FEB 11, 2023

By Gale Anderson

Wade in the Water: A Journey into Black Surfing and Aquatic Culture (2023) Santa Barbara International Film Festival 2023

FEB 11, 2023

Steve Kopian

Le Festival international du film de Santa Barbara dévoile la programmation 2023 Les plus populaires A lire absolument Inscrivez-vous aux newsletters Variety Plus de nos marques

JAN 19, 2023