Sal Masekela’s Speech On Racism And Surfing Will Give You Chills

Yesterday, San Diego surfers convened at Moonlight Beach for a Black Lives Matter paddle-out led by Encinitas local and prominent action sports analyst, Sal Masekela. 

Standing over a crowd of 500-1,000, Sal delivered a speech so powerful that it reverberates deep in our core, even in this abridged, digitized state. 

Here’s a little run-down of the event from someone who had their toes in the sand:

Silently observing the eight minutes and 46 seconds it took that officer to kill George Floyd was transformative. As fists began to rise, the silence was broken only by the sound of rolling waves—this was the highest level of respect I’ve ever witnessed from a crowd for that period of time.

The energy of the paddle out was strong, though it was filled with many white, privileged faces. This served as a reminder of where we are as a surfing culture and where we need to be.

There is no looking back. This community needs to open its doors. The ocean heals, and it is not limited to those who just have the privilege. It is our duty to uplift and share this joy of the ocean.

Chants broke, Sal and all the leaders were trembling with emotions. The swaths of people disappeared by the splashing of water voices screaming for justice.