Terms and Conditions

Last Updated: October 7, 2026

Welcome to the Wade in the Water Project (https://wadeinthewaterproject.com). These Terms and Conditions outline the rules and regulations for the use of our website. By accessing or using this website, you accept these terms and conditions in full. If you disagree with any part of these terms, you must not use our website.

1. Introduction

The Wade in the Water Project website serves as a platform to share the history of Black surfing and aquatic culture through documentary filmmaking and photography, process donations, sell merchandise/film rentals, and promote screening events.

2. Intellectual Property Rights

Unless otherwise stated, the Wade in the Water Project and/or its licensors own the intellectual property rights for all material on this website. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Documentary films (Part I, Part II, and any subsequent media)

  • Photography, trailers, and video clips

  • Written content, text, and historical research

  • Logos and website design

You are granted a limited license only, subject to the restrictions provided in these terms, for purposes of viewing the material contained on this website.

You must not:

  • Republish, copy, or distribute material (including film downloads or streams) from this website without written permission.

  • Sell, rent, or sub-license material from this website.

  • Reproduce, duplicate, or steal photography or video content for commercial use.

3. Film Rentals, Purchases, and Shop

We may offer digital film rentals, streaming access, and physical merchandise through our website.

  • Pricing & Availability: All prices are subject to change without notice. We reserve the right to modify or discontinue any product, film stream, or service without notice at any time.

  • Refunds: All digital film rentals/streams are final sale. For physical shop items, please contact us within [Insert Number] days of receipt if an item is defective.

4. Donations & Fiscal Sponsorship

The Wade in the Water Project accepts donations to fund our ongoing documentary work and theatrical releases (e.g., Part II).

  • Fiscal Sponsor: We are fiscally sponsored by the Black Surfers Collective, a registered non-profit organization.

  • Third-Party Payment Processor: 100% of donations are processed securely through a third-party platform (Zeffy). By making a donation, you also agree to the terms of service and privacy policies of Zeffy.

  • Tax Receipts: Tax receipts for eligible donations will be provided by our fiscal sponsor or the payment processing platform at the time of the transaction. We are not responsible for any issues regarding tax deduction eligibility; please consult a tax professional.

5. Event Screenings and Ticketing

Information regarding theatrical release dates, venues, and events is subject to change. Purchasing tickets to events may redirect you to a third-party ticketing platform or the theater's specific website. We are not responsible for the refund policies, cancellations, or terms of third-party venues or ticketing agents.

6. Newsletters and User Information

If you subscribe to our newsletter ("Stay in the Know"), you agree to receive email updates regarding film releases, events, and project news. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link at the bottom of our emails. We do not sell your personal information to third parties.

7. Prohibited Conduct

While using this website, you agree NOT to:

  • Use the website in any way that causes, or may cause, damage to the website or impairment of the availability or accessibility of the website.

  • Engage in any data mining, data harvesting, data extracting, or any other similar activity.

  • Use the website to distribute spam, malware, or any malicious software.

  • Attempt to bypass streaming paywalls or download films without authorization.

8. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites (such as payment gateways, news outlets, and sponsor websites). We do not control and are not responsible for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party sites or services.

9. Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Liability

The information on this website is provided "as is," with all faults. The Wade in the Water Project makes no express or implied representations or warranties of any kind related to this website or the materials contained on this website.

In no event shall the Wade in the Water Project, its directors (including David Mesfin), partners, or affiliates, be liable to you for anything arising out of or in any way connected with your use of this website, whether such liability is under contract, tort, or otherwise.

10. Indemnification

You hereby indemnify to the fullest extent the Wade in the Water Project from and against any and/or all liabilities, costs, demands, causes of action, damages, and expenses arising in any way related to your breach of any of the provisions of these Terms.

11. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms will be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of California, United States, and you submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in California for the resolution of any disputes. (Note: Change this state if your legal entity is registered elsewhere).

12. Changes to These Terms

We reserve the right to revise these terms at any time as we see fit. By using this website, you are expected to review these terms on a regular basis to ensure you understand all terms and conditions governing the use of this website.

13. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about these Terms and Conditions, please contact us at: