Solidarity In Surf: Global Voices. Shared Waves

Rooted in Community, Rising Together

Our community partnerships are the heartbeat of our mission. By collaborating with local schools, surf clubs, grassroots organizations, and international allies, we create safe, empowering spaces for youth to grow as athletes, leaders, and environmental stewards. Through our partnership with Ujima & Roots San Jose, for instance we connect cultural identity with youth empowerment, offering mentorship, wellness programming, and educational resources that equip the next generation with tools to lead in and out of the water. Together, we’re building a future shaped by unity, purpose, and possibility.

Advising for Impact: Corporate DEI Through the Lens of Surf Equity

At Solidarity in Surf, we offer consulting and strategic advising to corporate partners seeking to strengthen their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) commitments through actionable, community-centered practices. Grounded in our lived experience and global advocacy, we guide brands in building authentic, culturally aware DEI programs—centered on environmental justice, gender equity, and access to sport. Our past collaborations have included workshops, leadership coaching, and advisory sessions that connect boardrooms to coastlines, ensuring equity isn’t just a statement—it’s a strategy.

What is a Sea Steward?

A Sea Steward is a guardian of the ocean — someone who actively protects marine environments and champions coastal communities. From educating others about ocean safety to leading cleanups, advocating for environmental justice, and respecting marine life, Sea Stewards are leaders in and out of the water. At Solidarity in Surf, we train and empower a new generation of Sea Stewards who serve not just as surfers, but as protectors of the sea.

Waves of Justice: Surfing with Purpose

Our social justice work is rooted in resistance, remembrance, and radical change. From advocating for the dedication of a plaque honoring Nick Gabaldón at the historic Inkwell beach, to organizing the Jena 6 protest in Hollywood, to leading the powerful international paddle-out for George Floyd, our movement has forever shifted the tides for Black and Brown surfers worldwide. These moments are more than history—they are milestones in a global effort to reclaim space, honor legacy, and demand justice both on land and in the lineup.

Educating the Break: Lectures on Diversity 

Through our academic lecture series, we bring the conversation on diversity, equity, and inclusion in surfing to high school and university classrooms around the world. These interactive talks explore the intersection of race, gender, history, and access in surf culture—challenging dominant narratives and inspiring students to think critically about who gets to ride the wave. From sociology and environmental justice to media representation and global sport, our lectures equip the next generation with the knowledge to push the surf industry—and society—toward greater equity.

Girls Who Lead: Powered by Girl Up

Our Girls Leadership Program, in collaboration with Girl Up, equips young changemakers with the skills and confidence to rise as ocean advocates, community leaders, and champions for gender equity. Through dynamic leadership development, mentorship, and global community-building, girls in our program learn to lead with purpose—advocating for climate justice, coastal safety, and social impact in their communities and beyond.

Girl Up, founded by the United Nations Foundation, trains youth in over 150 countries to become gender justice leaders. Their initiatives focus on leadership development, civic engagement, and activism in key issue areas like STEM equity, climate action, and reproductive justice.: Girl Up – Who We Are