Wave-ing Away Stereotypes: The Rise of Black Surfers

Author

John J. Schilling III, Craig Newmark Graduate School of JournalismFollow

Graduation Date

Fall 12-15-2023

Grading Professor

Kovie Biakolo

Subject Concentration

Arts & Culture

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Abstract

This article examines the growing prominence of Black surfers with a specific focus on Lou Harris of the Black Surfing Association East Coast Chapter in Rockaway Beach, New York. While the sport remains white male-dominated, a 2022 report from the Surf Industry Members Association and ActionWatch show that surfing has experienced a surge in diversity over the last decade with an increase in the number of Black surfers, female surfers and other surfers of color nationwide. In exploring this phenomenon, this article includes the historical background of Black people’s connection to the sport, dating back to enslaved Africans’ complicated interactions with water in the 16th century. This article also details Harris’ decade-long surfing journey from his introduction into the sport to the work he has done to push back against stereotypes and pass on those lessons to the next generation. But while this article explores Harris’ mission and the promising results, it acknowledges ongoing challenges and current events that indicate there’s still progress to be made in making the ocean more inclusive to Black surfers.

Link to capstone project: https://johnjschillingiii.medium.com/wave-ing-away-stereotypes-the-rise-of-black-surfers-ca07381ddf98

Recommended Citation

Schilling, John J. III, "Wave-ing Away Stereotypes: The Rise of Black Surfers" (2023). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gj_etds/677