WeSurf BIPOC Surf Talk

Blue Prescribing: When the Ocean Becomes Care aka The Data Behind the Stoke On this episode of the WeSurf Podcast, we sit down with surf health researcher Damaris Morales to explore the growing intersection between surfing, health, and healing. Together, we unpack how surfing can function as more than just a sport or lifestyle—it can serve as a powerful public health intervention with measurable i...

In this episode of WeSurf, Kwame and Nigel sit down with filmmaker and surfer Eli Jules for a conversation that moves far beyond the lineup. From the shores of St. Lucia to the evolving global surf landscape, Eli shares how the ocean shaped his identity—and how the camera became his way of translating that experience into something lasting. He explores the power of creative disruption: what it mea...

In the latest episode of the We Surf podcast, Kwame dives deep into a conversation with Yvette Cave, a passionate surfer and founder of Wave Wahinis. Yvette shares her unique journey into surfing, the creation of a supportive community for female surfers, and her quest to address representation in the sport. Yvette was awarded the Churchill Fellowship, allowing her to travel and study surf culture...

In this episode of the WeSurf Podcast, host Kwame La Bassiere speaks with Chelsea Woody about her short film 'Spin Cycle,' which explores the themes of motherhood, surfing, and the cyclical nature of life. Chelsea shares her journey of balancing her roles as a mother and a surfer, the creative process behind her film, and the importance of representation in the surfing community. The conversation...

In this episode of the WeSurf Podcast, Kwame La Bassiere and co-host Farmata Dia welcome 14-year-old surfing sensationThe Marvelous Ms. Maizy Gordon. They delve into Maizy's early beginnings in surfing, inspired by her sister, and her journey from overcoming initial fears to becoming a competitive surfer. Maizy shares her experiences in various competitions, including the National Scholastic Surfi...

In this episode of the WeSurf Podcast, host Kwame La Bassiere engages with three influential surfers from Liberia—Faith Kulu, Andrew Johnson, and Brahima Gross—who share their personal journeys into surfing, the challenges they face, and their aspirations for the future of surfing in Liberia. The conversation highlights the cultural significance of surfing in Liberia, the barriers they have overco...

In this episode of the WeSurf Podcast, host Kwame LaBassiere welcomes Laura Day, the creator of "Confessions of a Surf Lady" and founder of the Surf Societe. Laura shares her personal journey into surfing, the inspiration behind her podcast, and her vision for a more inclusive surf community. Together, they explore the challenges and triumphs of women in surf culture, the importance of community,...

In this episode of the WeSurf Podcast, host Kwame speaks with Lea Chin, the Co-founder of Children of the Sea, a program dedicated to empowering Fijian youth through surfing and leadership development. Lea shares her journey from New Jersey to Fiji, the impact of Fijian culture on ocean education, and the importance of community involvement in the program's success. The conversation explores the c...

Summary This conversation explores the rich culture of surfing in Rockaway, highlighting the journey of Brian “BJ” James from their early days to becoming a community mentor. The discussion touches on themes of resilience, the impact of incarceration, and the importance of diversity in surfing. BJ shares personal stories and insights, emphasizing the role of mentorship and community in shaping a s...

In this episode, Da Boys are back. Nigel and Kwame kick off Season Three of the WeSurf Podcast, discussing the importance of work-life balance, upcoming community events, and the impact of Hurricane Erin on surfing conditions. They delve into the current state of the surf industry, share personal surfing experiences, and provide valuable advice for beginner surfers. The conversation also touches o...

In this episode of the WeServe Podcast, hosts Kwame and Nigel celebrate their podcast's success and introduce their guest, Danielle Black-Lyons, co-founder of Textured Waves. The conversation explores the formation and mission of Textured Waves, emphasizing the need for representation of black and brown surfers in the surfing community. Danielle shares her experiences as a woman of color in surfin...

On this episode of the WeSurf Podcast, Kwame & Nigel engage in a lively conversation with the Godette brothers, Paul and Jango, exploring their backgrounds, the evolution of their skateboarding journey, and the vibrant community in Rockaway. They discuss the influence of media on their interest in skateboarding, the formation of the Clip Mode crew, and the personal growth they have experienced...

In this episode of the WeSurf Podcast, hosts Kwame and Nigel welcome Gregory Rachal, president and co-founder of the Black Surfers Collective. They discuss Gregory's personal journey into surfing, the formation and mission of the Black Surfers Collective, and the importance of community in surfing. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by Black surfers, the significance of events like N...

In this episode of the We Surf Podcast, hosts Kwame Labassiere and Nigel Louis welcome the Salty Sisters, Autumn Kitchens and Farmata Dia, to discuss their journey as black women surfers, the importance of community, and the challenges they face in the surfing world. The conversation explores themes of cultural identity, environmental activism, and the healing power of the ocean, while also touchi...

In this episode, hosts Kwame La Bassiere and Nigel Louis welcome listeners to the first episode of 2025, reflecting on the past year and discussing various topics including the impact of local events, personal struggles, and the future of the WeSurf podcast. They remember a local Rockaway surfing legend, Ralton, and address the recent A train shutdown affecting Rockaway. The conversation shifts to...

In this episode of the WeSurf podcast, host Kwame LaBassiere interviews Kayiita Johansson, the founder of the Black. Surfers Community Group. They discuss Kayiita’s journey into surfing, the lack of diversity in the surfing community, and the creation of the Black. Surfers Community Group. The conversation highlights the importance of community and representation in surfing, and the impact that th...

In this conversation, Kwame La Bassiere interviews Dr. Giovanni Martinez, a clinical psychologist in Puerto Rico who works with children with autism. Dr. Martinez started the organization Surf4Dem, which uses surf therapy to help children with autism improve their social communication skills, sensory processing disorders, and muscular tone. The therapy also has a positive impact on the families, a...

In this episode of the WeSurf podcast, Kwame LaBassiere interviews two female surfers, Berna and Beah, about their experiences in the surfing community. They discuss how they got into surfing and the challenges they faced as beginners. The conversation also touches on the importance of etiquette in the lineup and the gray areas surrounding who has the right of way. Additionally, they explore the u...

Welcome to episode 7 of the We Surf podcast. Often you will hear surfers referred to as Wave Dancers. On this episode we meet wave dancers who are also ballet dancers. Mei and Shui Lee or as their instagram handle refers to them as The Lee Twins. Kwame discusses speaks to them about how and why they started surfing. How their dance background has helped their surfing. And some of the experiences t...

Welcome to episode 6 of the WeSurf podcast. This episode is done a little differently. Co-host Kwame Labassiere, recorded this episode while in Puerto Rico at the International Surf Therapy Organization conference. While there he interviewed professional surfer Chris Dennis from Trinidad and Tobago. Chris is the co-founder of Waves for Hope, an organization that runs youth development programs tha...

On this episode of WeSurf Nigel and Kwame speak with documentary filmmaker and reborn surfer Mosiah Moonsammy. An award winning filmmaker based in NYC, Mosiah's last project “Last Bodega In Brooklyn” played internationally on the film festival circuit and was received with rave reviews. After meeting Nigel at Station RBNY, Mosiah became interested in telling Nigel’s story and showing the world wha...

Happy New Year everyone! On this episode of the WeSurf Podcast we step out of Rockaway and speak to Director David Mesfin and Executive Producer Beyin Abraha of the documentary ' Wade in the Water: A Journey Into Black Surfing and Aquatic Culture. ' This documentary reclaims the 1000 year old tradition of Black Surfing throughout the globe, by honoring the historical and contemporary relationship...

On this episode of WeSurf, Nigel and Kwame have the Rockaway's own Paul Goddette and Quest Soliman to discuss their meteoric rise as Vloggers with their Youtube Channel, Stop Playin With Em. Paul and Quest have spent the good part of the last few years traveling and documenting their journey's. The conversation covers life on the road, being a black surfer in today's surf culture, the friends and...

On this episode of WeSurf, Nigel and Kwame sit with local legend, Fernando Pires. Fernando grew up surfing on vibrant beaches of Rio de Janeiro and worked for a board maker there as a teenager before moving to New York City at age 20. He eventually realized there was surf here and moved out to the Rockaways in the early 80's. In the 1990s he opened the Secret Spot surf shop and began collecting su...

Welcome to the first episode of WeSurf, a Vlog & Podcast showcasing surfing through the lens of people of color, indigenous peoples, LGBTQ+ community and the average everyday surfer. This show is centered on the Rockaway Surf community as it relates to the larger surfing culture. We hope to broaden the conversation as to what it means to be a surfer. On this premiere episode, our guest, Rockaway l...