Black Surf Santa Cruz Information

Black Surf Santa Cruz (BSSC) is a nonprofit that was created after the murder of George Floyd as an inclusive way to support the liberation and health of Black community members and other historically excluded POC in finding connection to the ocean and joy. During and after the Jim Crow Era, Black people were excluded from swimming pools and beaches throughout the US. It can take generations to heal trauma and reform habits formed in families, and we cultivate a space for our community to self-actualize. Our program emphasizes joy and liberation and aims to increase mental well-being, feelings of belonging and psychological safety, and the number of BILPOC enjoying surfing and associated outdoor and coastal recreational activities. We will create an inclusive community by ultimately delivering a surf “Pop Up” Program and “Prepare to Pop Up” Program that provides surf and swim lessons in Santa Cruz. In a recent survey of Black/African-American residents living in Santa Cruz County (BHMI Spotlight), 35% of survey respondents reported experiencing systemic racism “often” or “very often” in SC County during the last 12 months and 44% reported experiencing micro-aggressions “often” or “very often” during the last 12 months. BSSC aims to lessen and break through these barriers by creating a program that increases points of access, representation, authenticity and courage in members, and understanding in the greater community.