Black-OWNED surf business and non profit DATA RESOURCE
This page celebrates and uplifts Black-owned surf businesses, surf shops, nonprofits, surfers, and research initiatives that are shaping the future of surfing and aquatic culture. Documenting and tracking these organizations is vital—not only to acknowledge the leaders driving change today, but also to ensure the Black surfing industry continues to grow, thrive, and inspire.
By spotlighting these efforts, we create visibility for companies and initiatives that might otherwise remain overlooked, strengthening opportunities for collaboration, investment, and cultural recognition. This living resource aligns with our mission to inspire the next generation of surfers and ocean leaders while empowering those who carry the torch of heritage, creativity, and innovation in the water.
We extend our gratitude to our partner, Surflytics, whose insights and support make this possible. If you see anything that needs to be updated or added, please share corrections or new information using the form below. Together, we can continue to honor the past, elevate the present, and build the future of Black surfing.
RESOURCE
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Black Aquatic history:
Undercurrents of Power: Aquatic Culture in the African Diaspora by Kevin DawsonBlack Jacks: African American Seamen in the Age of Sail by W. Jeffrey Bolster
Afro Surf by Mami Wata, Selema Masekela
Africa and the Discovery of America by Leo Wiener
They came before Columbus by Ivan Van Sertima
Hawaiian Surf Culture
Waves of Resistance: Surfing and History in Twentieth-Century Hawai‘i by Isaiah Helekunihi WalkerSurf Culture
Empire in Waves: A Political History of Surfing by Scott LadermanThe Critical Surf Studies Reader By Dexter Zavalza Hough-Snee, Alexander Sotelo Eastman
Surf Therapy
Surf Therapy: The Evidence-Based Science for Physical, Mental & Emotional Well-Being by Cash Lambert -
Black Surfers Collective - Los Angeles, Ca
A Great Day in the Stokes - Huntington Beach, Ca
La Rubea Collective - Rockaway, NY
Black Surfers Santa Cruz - Santa Cruz, Ca
Paddle For Peace - San Diego, Ca
Waves for Hope - Trinidad
Surfear Negra - Jacksonville, Fl
Un Mar De Colores - San Diego, Ca
Native Like Water - San Diego, Ca
INSTXN Surf (Woman only) - Los Angeles, Ca
Color the Water - Los Angeles, Ca
Sea and Soil - Bay Area, Ca
Jamaica Surf Camp - Jamaica
Yemaya Surf - Dominica Republic
Movimento Surfistas Negras - Brazil
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Surfer Magazine
Library of Congress
Howard University
UCLA Archives
Los Angeles Public Library
Love Like Buttons, LLC
Mariam Matthews Collection
LeVera White Collection
BLACK OWNED SURF BUSINESS and NON PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
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