​In concert with Juneteenth programming throughout Santa Cruz County, the 5th Annual Liberation Paddle Out (LPO) provides a joyous day on the beach intended to center our Black and BIPOC community and offer people a chance to get in the water and experience the transformative power of the ocean together, many for their first time.
On June 19th, 1865, Union soldiers led by Major General Gordon Granger landed in Galveston, Texas, with the news the Civil War had ended and enslaved were now free. Over 150 years later, we continue to commemorate Juneteenth, bring awareness of the holiday, and honor the stories and history of those who came before.
The LPO intends to center our Black community by providing a day on the beach with fun games, groovy music, tasty food, entertainment, and a community art project. The main event is a "paddle-out" where BSSC members have an opportunity to use free surf equipment, get ocean safety lessons, and be supported by a skilled water safety team while venturing past the shoreline to float in the ocean together.
This event aims to create a safe space to unite our community while centering and amplifying our local Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and POC community members and their liberation. ​​The LPO is open to the entire community and encourages relationship-building and awareness with the general public.
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Join the celebration
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How can white allies show up to support the LPO?"- Hold space for Black & BIPOC people to paddle out. This means: stay on the beach / do not paddle out unless you are designated water safety or support team. - Create access for Black & BIPOC people to paddle out. This means that if you have boards & wetsuits, lend them out while you stay on the beach. Alternatively, if you have expertise in the water - or in any area - volunteer it! - Volunteer. Get in touch with anyone in a yellow shirt & we will give you a job. There is plenty of behind-the-scenes organizing work that we would love your help with. - MOVE MONEY. Many of us have this idea of equality / equity that looks like all of us in the water together, "not seeing color," & everyone is welcome & equally valued. Lovely. &. That is not where we - our community, our culture, our systems, our reality - are (yet). Where we ARE is 100s of years of Black & BIPOC people being intentionally, systematically excluded from these spaces & greatly harmed. Which is why, right now, equity looks like creating safe & accessible spaces for Black & BIPOC people to heal *without* white participation & yt gaze. Which is basically why BSSC exists. I know that it's uncomfortable. Giving something up - our access, paddling out, our idea of what equity looks like - is uncomfortable. &, y'all. The truth is: THAT is what anti-racism work looks like for white people. Our biggest work is getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, with giving up our privilege. I invite us all to reflect on: What are we willing to give up in the pursuit of true liberation, for all of us?" - Written by Emma Ledvina, BSSC volunteer
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Do you accept donations of goods or services for the LPO?Absolutely! This event would not be possible without in-kind donations. Here are some of the things we need: Goods: - Pop-up tents - Pop-up tables - Surf equipment rental - Fresh flowers - Snacks - Beverages - Art Supplies - Photo props/decor for photo booth - Any services that can be used in a raffle! Services: - Photography - Bubble magician - Any services that can be used in a raffle! If you would like to donate any of these items, please let us know by filling out this form or sending us an email at info@blacksurfsantacruz.org. If you have something to donate as a waffle/raffle prize, please fill out this form. Thank you immensely for your support! In-kind donations are valued equally to cash contributions with respect to sponsorship recognition and visibility. We welcome donations at all levels, and any donor under $1,000 will have their name listed as an event supporter on our community surfboard!
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How can I volunteer?Fill out the 2025 LPO volunteer form on our website! You can also email us at info@blacksurfsantacruz.org and we can send the signup over to you. We will reach out to all who fill out the volunteer form. Thanks for your interest!
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Who can attend the LPO?​​The LPO is open to the entire community and encourages relationship-building and awareness with the general public. We ask our community to work together to center the Black community this Juneteenth!
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How do I RSVP for free equipment?Equipment is available for BSSC Members only. After you RSVP via the form on our website, we will email out a link to the equipment form that will reserve your gear. Equipment is available only while supplies last, so be sure to register early if you can.
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Is my equipment reservation complete after filling the LPO RSVP form?Not yet! After you fill the RSVP form, we will follow up with an email and form to complete your equipment reservation closer to the event date (end of May). Equipment is available while supplies last.
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What is the best way to stay informed about LPO updates?Visit our website at blacksurfsantacruz.org and subscribe to our email newsletters! The event page on our website will have all important updates. You can also follow our instagram @blacksurfsantacruz, or your can email us at info@blacksurfsantacruz.org with any questions.