Shaping a more equitable and just surf culture
Help us shape a more equitable and just surf culture.
The Surf Justice Collective (SJC) unites community-based nonprofits and allies across California to build a more equitable and inclusive surf culture by identifying, elevating, and addressing systemic barriers to recreational surfing and ocean access.
With over 800 miles of coastline, California offers endless ocean opportunities—yet for many, true access to beaches and surf culture remains out of reach. Together, we're working to change that.
Events
Join us for events that promote inclusivity and joy in surf culture.
The Liberation Paddle Out (LPO) commemorates Juneteenth and is a joyous day on the beach intended to center our Black and BIPOC community and offer a chance to paddle out into the water and experience the transformative power of the ocean, many for the first time. Bring your friends & fam for a fun day in the sun, oceanic enjoyment, music from a live DJ, delicious food, and more. This event is open to the entire community and encourages relationship-building and awareness with the general public.
Vision
To create a diverse network of surf and ocean-centered nonprofits throughout California, to transform social- and policy-based barriers to the outdoors, and to create a new vision for an inclusive and joyful surf culture.
According to the California Natural Resources Agency, “‘equitable access’ means that all people can experience and enjoy California’s outdoors regardless of who they are or where they live. It also means that everyone can experience the outdoors in a safe, welcoming, convenient, affordable, and culturally relevant way.”
Purpose
To drive a statewide movement that transforms who has access to the ocean—connecting surf and ocean-centered nonprofits to create lasting change in policies, programs, and narratives that shape California’s coastal culture.
Goals
- Advance Coastal Access for All
- Champion equal coastal access for outdoor equity programs alongside the broader public
- Support Equity-Driven Surf Organizations
- Strengthen and grow the capacity of nonprofits focused on equity in surfing
- Reconnect Surf Culture with Respect and Roots
- Shift surf culture toward relationship with the ocean, land, and people — honoring the Indigenous origins of surfing and deepening collective understanding
Co-Creation
We emphasize a collaborative and inclusive approach to problem-solving, innovation, disagreement, and decision-making, taking time to reflect to ensure that all voices are honored and that diverse perspectives and insights contribute to our success.
Community
We foster a sense of belonging, interconnectedness, and shared responsibility. This involves recognizing the importance of building relationships and the strength that these bonds create. No one is left out of the line-up, we ride the waves together.
Equity
We value, protect, and uplift every member of the Surf Justice Collective and the communities we represent. We meet individuals where they are, ensuring they’re supported and equipped to thrive.
Joy
We cultivate authentic joy in all its forms—laughter, enthusiasm, a zest for life, and even joyful rage—as a vital part of self-care and collective resilience. We recognize that systemic oppression, discrimination, and social inequities have long stifled joy, and we reclaim it as a radical, sustaining force in our work.
Rejecting Anti-Blackness
We actively seek to oppose and eradicate racism in all of its forms, recognizing that racism is a systemic issue that requires proactive efforts to dismantle. We reject anti-Blackness, create welcoming spaces for historically marginalized communities, and honor diverse identities and capacities for advocacy.
Our Partner Organizations
Meet the SJC members fostering an inclusive surf culture for all.
Leading initiatives to promote equity and access in surfing for marginalized communities in Santa Cruz, CA
Our mission is to attain equitable access to surfing for Black people through policy and community.
We ensure Bay Area youth have equitable access to the ocean and use surfing as a vehicle to promote physical and mental well being, community, and a connection to nature.
Since 1999, Outdoor Outreach has provided opportunities for more than 20,000 San Diego youth to explore their world, cultivate belonging, and discover what they’re capable of.
We work to create a more diverse, joyful and environmentally reverent girl’s, women's, and gender expansive surf culture.
Supporting queer mental & physical health through relationship with the ocean, while expanding surf culture by advocating for a culture of belonging.
We cultivate and inspire equity and ocean stewardship by providing free surf therapy, environmental education, and long term mentorship for underserved youth - especially youth of color.
Join the Line Up
Sign up for our mailing list to stay connected, learn about upcoming events, and join us in creating a just and inclusive surf culture.
