Racism In Surfing—It’s Still Happening Today

Yesterday at Manhattan Beach Pier, not a stone’s throw from some of 2020’s historic Black Lives Matter protests, there was a blatantly racist incident in the lineup.

Here’s what we know, courtesy of Brick from the @blacksand.surf Instagram:

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A post shared by Black Sand (@blacksand.surf)

Caption: This racist woke up & chose violence. He called me & Gage a n**ger in the water at Manhattan Beach Pier and repeatedly splashed me in the face. Fortunately, he’s the one who has to sleep with those demons, not me. I want to see more allyship, regardless…I’ll be right back out there tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day. Im so inspired by what transpired today, it feels like a sign to continue surfing with purpose, and hopefully inspire you all to open / kick down doors into those spaces that you may not feel welcome into. Not just surfing, but whatever that place is that resonates with you. Own that shit, you belong. 

There’s been an outpouring of support for Brick and Gage from the broader surfing community.

@surfrider said: Thank you for sharing and shining a light on this disgusting interaction. The ocean is for everyone and racism has no place here. Those walls will be broken down.

@thomasvictorcarroll said: Beautiful spirit [heart emoji] lifting us all [lift emoji] thank you @blacksand.surf

Stab vehemently opposes racism in all of its forms, not the least of which when it invades our lineups.