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Our 6th 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.
BSSC was born from a moment of collective reflection and awakening. In 2020, following the murder of George Floyd, our founder and Executive Director participated in a community paddle out held in solidarity. At the time, she had never been on a surfboard before. Standing at the shoreline and witnessing the ocean as a space for collective healing and connection, I became aware of how infrequently Black and BIPOC communities are welcomed into or represented within coastal and surf spaces. That experience, rooted in appreciation and possibility, inspired a commitment to create intentional opportunities for access and ultimately gave rise to Black Surf Santa Cruz’s largest annual event, the Liberation Paddle Out.
The Liberation Paddle Out centers Black joy through a day at the beach filled with music, food, games, and celebration. Participants receive access to free surf equipment, ocean safety education, and a trained support team that guides many first-time surfers into the water. The event intentionally creates a safe and welcoming space that uplifts Black communities while also embracing other communities of color and allies committed to collective liberation.
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, POC community members and their liberation. The LPO is open to the entire community and encourages relationship-building and awareness with the general public.
