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 challenges faced by the program, how success is
measured, and the aspirations for the future of Fijian youth in surfing and environmental
stewardship.

Kwame finally tells the story of when he experienced the best type of localism that you can get
in the lineup.

Takeaways
Children of the Sea empowers Fijian youth through surfing. Lea's journey from New Jersey to Fiji inspires others. The program focuses on leadership development for girls. Community involvement is crucial for the program's success. Fijian culture plays a significant role in ocean education.
The program addresses local environmental issues. Success is measured by the kids' progress in surfing and leadership. The future vision includes more opportunities for Fijian youth. Personal stories highlight the importance of community support. The podcast emphasizes the connection between surfing and cultural heritage.


The WeSurf Podcast is recorded by WTF Studios and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network.  www.swellseasonsurfradio.com

Follow the WeSurf Podcast on Instagram @wesurfpodcast

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to WeSurf Podcast and Guests
03:57 Children of the Sea: Origins and Mission
05:54 Leah's Journey: From New Jersey to Fiji
08:39 Empowering Girls Through Surfing and Leadership
16:46 Cultural Impact: Fijian Youth and Ocean Stewardship
21:30 Community Involvement: Parents and Local Support
23:38 Challenges Faced by Children of the Sea
26:46 Measuring Success: Progress and Achievements
28:39 Future Aspirations: Vision for the Next Generation
33:28 Personal Stories: The Impact of Community
42:44 Reflections on Surfing Culture and Community

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 surfer's identity. The conversation also addresses the evolution of surfing culture and offers advice for new surfers, encouraging them to embrace their journey and treat every wave as a unique experience.

Takeaways
Surfing is not just a sport; it's a lifestyle.Community plays a crucial role in shaping a surfer's identity.Incarceration can lead to personal growth and reflection.Mentorship is vital in the surfing community.The importance of treating every wave like it's your last.Helping others can have a profound impact on their lives.The evolution of surfing culture reflects broader societal changes.Diversity in surfing is increasing, which is a positive development.Every surfer starts as a beginner, and that's okay.Sharing experiences and stories enriches the surfing community.


The WeSurf Podcast is recorded by WTF Studios and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network.  www.swellseasonsurfradio.com

Follow the WeSurf Podcast on Instagram @wesurfpodcast

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Rockaway Surf Culture
00:00 The Journey of a Surfer: From Inception to Identity
04:45 Mentorship and Community in Surfing
10:31 The Impact of Incarceration on Personal Growth
19:21 The Nautical Negro: A Story of Resilience
29:07 The Evolution of Surfing in Rockaway
37:26 Advice for New Surfers and Community Responsibility
46:20 Reflections on Surfing and Life Lessons

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 on health and wellness in surfing, as well as future plans for the podcast and upcoming guests. And viewer questions get answered. 

Takeaways:

• The importance of work-life balance in pursuing passions.
• Community events like 'Great Day in the Stoke' celebrate surf culture.
• Hurricane Erin brought waves but missed populated areas, highlighting the bittersweet nature of hurricanes for surfers.
• The surf industry is facing challenges post-COVID, affecting business for many shops.
• Personal experiences in surfing can lead to valuable lessons and growth.
• Understanding wave conditions is crucial for safe surfing.
• Health and wellness should be prioritized for better surfing performance.
• Beginner surfers should focus on enjoying the ride rather than perfection.
• Every professional surfer has gone through a learning curve to reach their level.
• Supporting local surf communities is essential for the growth of the sport.

Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Season Three
00:53 Reflections on Past Guests and Future Plans
03:30 Great Day in the Stoke: Celebrating Black Surf Culture
06:09 WeServe Media: Expanding the Podcast
08:56 Hurricane Erin: The Surfing Experience
11:51 Favorite Surfboards and Contest Preparations
12:54 Understanding Wave Conditions
15:39 The Impact of Swell on Surfing
17:24 Challenges in the Surf Industry
21:03 Personal Growth and Health Focus
23:07 Surfing Events and Community Engagement
24:29 Health and Well-being in Surfing
25:51 Podcast Developments and Merchandise
26:47 Listener Questions and Fun Stories
29:45 Memorable Characters in Surfing
32:55 Pre-Surf Rituals and Mindset
36:54 Surfboard Favorites and Personal Stories
42:39 Advice for First-Time Surfers
46:21 Community and Support in Surfing

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 surfing, the impact of social movements on surf culture, and the changing landscape of the surf industry. The discussion also touches on Danielle's personal journey, her recent trip to Jamaica, and the importance of community engagement through surf retreats. The episode concludes with insights on surfboard preferences and the balance between family life and surfing.Aaaaaaand the definition of a PARTY WAVE

Follow Danielle Black Lyons on Instagram @danielleblacklyons
and you can also follow Textured Waves @texturedwaves

The WeSurf Podcast is recorded by WTF Studios and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network. www.swellseasonsurfradio.com

Follow the WeSurf Podcast on Instagram @wesurfpodcast

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 through various sports, including surfing and snowboarding. The episode highlights the importance of community and culture in shaping their experiences and skills. In this conversation, the speakers discuss their experiences with snowboarding, skateboarding, and community events, particularly focusing on the Battle at the Beach event in Rockaway.

They delve into content creation, highlighting how skateboarding led to filmmaking. The discussion shifts to travel experiences in Barbados and Japan, emphasizing the cultural insights gained through surfing. Finally, they explore the journey of ding repair (or Board Rejuvenation) as a new skill and business venture, showcasing the importance of community and education in their pursuits. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the world of action sports, highlighting the importance of recognizing the contributions of photographers and videographers. They discuss the evolution of Clip Mode as a family business, the significance of gear in surfing and skateboarding, and the value of travel and teaching in personal growth. The conversation wraps up with heartfelt advice for the younger generation on entrepreneurship and maintaining an open mindset, along with aspirations for future podcast guests. 

Follow Paul & Jango on Instagram at: @Gaul_P   @Djangomaan

The WeSurf Podcast is recorded by WTF Studios and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network.
www.swellseasonsurfradio.com

Follow the WeSurf Podcast on Instagram @wesurfpodcast

00:00 Introduction and Hosts Banter
01:46 Introducing the Godette Brothers
03:06 Rockaway Roots and Basketball Beginnings
03:52 Transition to Skateboarding
05:00 Skateboarding Influences and Media
05:55 Community and Skateboarding Events
17:29 Battle at the Beach Event
24:36 Content Creation and Filmmaking
27:52 Paul's Surfing and Travels
32:33 Discussing Surfing Experiences
33:54 Surf Culture in Barbados
36:08 Travel Adventures and Cultural Insights
37:54 Affording Travel and Budget Tips
41:20 Ding Repair Journey and Skills
47:52 Clip Mode and Skateboarding
55:54 Advice for the Younger Generation
01:02:59 Dream Guests and Final Thoughts

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 Nick Gabaldon Day, and the need for greater diversity and inclusion in the surf industry. Gregory shares insights on overcoming barriers in competitive surfing and emphasizes the importance of reclaiming the presence of people of color in the water.

To Learn more about the Black Surfers Collective you can go to http://www.blacksurferscollective.org
Or follow them on Instagram at: @blacksurferscollective 

The WeSurf Podcast is recorded by WTF Studios and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network.
www.swellseasonsurfradio.com

Follow the WeSurf Podcast on Instagram @wesurfpodcast

Show Notes: 
00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome
01:23 Meet Gregory Rochelle: A Hero Among Us
02:38 Gregory's Journey into Surfing
04:35 The Birth of the Black Surfers Collective
07:07 Challenges and Triumphs in Surfing
14:12 Nick Gabaldon Day: Honoring a Pioneer
21:37 Future Vision for the Black Surfers Collective
24:02 The Cost of Competitive Surfing
27:34 Community Support and Surfing
31:37 Diversity and Inclusion in the Surf Industry
32:50 Challenges of Storing Old Boards
33:14 Supporting the Surfing Community
33:39 Reflections on the Surf Industry
34:06 The Impact of 2020 on Surf Culture
36:06 Building a New Table in Surfing
39:43 Overcoming Financial Challenges
42:12 Surfing Routines and Favorite Spots
45:07 Encouragement for Aspiring Black Surfers
48:16 The Importance of Community
51:32 Historical Black Surfers
55:16 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

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 touching on personal wellness and the significance of sisterhood in their lives.

The episode highlights the need for representation in surfing and the impact of their advocacy work, including their involvement with Surfers in Solidarity. The hosts and guests share personal stories, insights on hair care, and their future surfing plans, creating a rich dialogue about the intersection of surfing, culture, and community.Aaaaaand you get to hear the beginning of the JOLLOF RICE WARS! Enjoy!

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 winter surfing experiences, the California wildfires, and personal challenges faced by the hosts. They conclude with exciting plans for the WeSurf podcast, including a new road trip format to explore surfing stories across different communities.

The WeSurf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network.
www.swellseasonsurfradio.com

Follow the WeSurf Podcast on Instagram @wesurfpodcast

Takeaways

• The podcast is back for 2025 with a refreshed format.

• Ralton's passing highlights the importance of community in surfing.

• The A train shutdown poses challenges for Rockaway residents and businesses.

• Winter surfing can be tough, but it offers unique rewards.

• California wildfires remind us of the importance of community support.

• Personal struggles can lead to growth and resilience.

• The WeSurf podcast is expanding to include more diverse stories.

• Plans for a road trip format to explore surfing culture.

• Community engagement is vital for the surf culture.

• The hosts emphasize the importance of enjoying life and pursuing passions.

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 the group has had in bringing together black surfers and promoting equity in the sport.

Black.Surfers is a global community that aims to create a positive, inclusive, and respectful space for black surfers. Kayiita, explains how he manages the community and ensures that it aligns with the vision of inclusivity and support. He also discusses his vision for the future of Black.Surfers, including expanding the organization, co-sponsoring legislation, and increasing coastal access for black people. Kayiita emphasizes the importance of policy work in addressing the systemic issues faced by black surfers and creating equity in the surfing community. He also addresses the pushback and criticism he has received for creating a space specifically for black surfers. In this final part of the conversation, Kayiita discusses the importance of allies in the surf community and the impact of voting and activism. They also engage in a fun rapid-fire question round about surf meals and preferences. Kwame shares his vision for the WeSurf podcast and the impact he hopes to see in the next five years.

For more information on Black.Surfers you can go to their Instagram page: @black.surfers


The WeSurf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network.
www.swellseasonsurfradio.com

Follow the WeSurf Podcast on Instagram @wesurfpodcast

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, as parents are encouraged to surf alongside their children. The program has been successful in providing unique therapeutic benefits and improving the overall well-being of the participants. Dr. Martinez explains the meaning behind the name Surf4Dem, which stands for Surf for the Development of Emotion and Motor Skills. The organization focuses on using surf therapy to help children with autism develop their social communication skills and improve their motor skills.

Giovanni emphasizes the importance of trying new and unconventional therapies for children with autism, as different approaches may have a significant impact on their development. He also discusses the potential benefits of medical tourism, where families from other places can come to Puerto Rico for a customized surf therapy program for their children.

For more information on Surf4Dem you can go to: https://www.gjcpp.org/en/
or on Instagram at @surf4dem

The WeSurf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network.
www.swellseasonsurfradio.com

Follow the WeSurf Podcast on Instagram @wesurfpodcast

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 unique experiences and perspectives of being female surfers in a predominantly male-dominated sport. 

The conversation touched on various topics related to surfing, including representation in the water, and the impact of surfing on their lives. The speakers discussed the lack of diversity in surfing, with it being predominantly a sport for white cis males. They also shared their personal experiences in the water and how their gender and ethnicity may have influenced those experiences. Lastly, they discussed the positive changes that surfing has brought to their lives. They also discuss how surfing can be incorporated into a business, as Berna has done with her surf-inspired clothing brand. 
The guests share their favorite pre and post-surf meals and their favorite surf spots. They also answer some fun rapid-fire questions.  They discuss the joy of catching waves and the sense of freedom and connection with nature that surfing brings. They also talk about the physical and mental challenges of surfing, including the importance of patience and perseverance. The conversation concludes with a fun segment where they answer questions about surfers and their habits.

The WeSurf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network.
www.swellseasonsurfradio.com

Follow the WeSurf Podcast on Instagram @wesurfpodcast

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 they have had in the water, both negative and positive.
Their energy is infectious and you don’t have to see them to tell that they were smiling throughout the entire conversation while simultaneously exhibiting wisdom that goes beyond their 17 years.
Hope you enjoy it.


The WeSurf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network.
www.swellseasonsurfradio.com

Follow the WeSurf Podcast on Instagram @wesurfpodcast

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 that utilize surfing and mentorship to provide positive psychology education to at-risk youths in under-served communities across Trinidad & Tobago.

Kwame talks to Chris about his upbringing in Trinidad and Tobago, his journey to surfing professionally and the challenges he faced, along with his ongoing commitment to surf therapy through his organization, Waves for Hope. The conversation explores key moments and influences in Chris's life, his perspectives on surfing, and experiences on the international circuit. The back and forth is lively, peppered with humor and insightful anecdotes. We hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed recording it.

To find out more about Waves for Hope go to: www.waves-for-hope.org
or follow Chris Dennis at @chrisdennis_1

The WeSurf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network.
www.swellseasonsurfradio.com

Follow the WeSurf Podcast on Instagram @wesurfpodcast

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 what a black owned surf shop in the Northeast of the US means to surfers of color through his current work in progress documentary, “Black Surfers in the Concrete Jungle”. The Film explores the exposure and expansion of Black Culture through the lens of Nigel Louis and the black surfing commmunity. As always the energy is positive and the vibes as are right.

To find out more about the project and other work by Mosiah go to www.mosiahmakesmoves.com
Or you can follow him on Instagram @mosiahmakesmoves

The WeSurf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network.
www.swellseasonsurfradio.com

Follow the WeSurf Podcast on Instagram @wesurfpodcast

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 between Black people and the ocean.

We discuss the documentary, the world of Black surfing and surfers, the historical common threads that bind Black surfers together and how we can support the next generation of surfers.


For more information you can go to www.wadeinthewaterproject.com
Or follow them on Instagram @davidmesfinart

The WeSurf Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network.
www.swellseasonsurfradio.com

Follow the WeSurf Podcast on Instagram @wesurfpodcast

Music:
Song: Wade in the Water
Artist: Ella Jenkins
Album: African American Folk Rhythms

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 family they have made while traveling and their latest film: "Stop Playin With Em". The energy and vibes radiating off these two is infectious. You will not be able to stop smiling. We hope you enjoy...

Follow Quest and Paul on Instagram: @stop_playinwithem
or on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBMmeNNiu_DvB9MG-rTgoBA


Please excuse the audio quality. We were experimenting with new camera equipment and unfortunately the sound is a little rough.

The Swell Season Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network.
www.swellseasonsurfradio.com

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 surfboards over the years. His dream was to open a surfing museum stocked with the dozens of classic boards he has collected from all over the world. Nigel and Kwame discuss with Fernando the changes over the years in Rockaway, The forgotten art of jumping off the jetties into the lineup, his collection of boards, the surf museum and so much more. to know Fernando is to know a bit of Rockaway surf history. We hope you enjoy...

The Swell Season Podcast is recorded by The NewsStand Studio at Rockefeller Center in the heart of Manhattan and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network.
www.swellseasonsurfradio.com

Cover Photo: Mark Kauzlarich/The New York Times

Music:
Artist: Stan Getz & Joao Gilberto
Song: Doralice
Album: Getz / Gilberto

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 local, model, surfer, traveler, Farmata Dia. She discusses growing up in Rockaway, finding surfing, her involvement in Laru Beya and her latest surf travel stints in Senegal and Panama. The Fun is just getting started on this first episode of WeSurf.

Go to www.swellseasonsurfradio.com or follow the show on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxMtUWFjUcY

https://www.larubeyacollective.com
https://www.riserockaway.org

Opening Song:
Artist: Fela Kuti
Song: Water Get No Enemy
Album: FELA: The Best of The Black President