The Black Surfers Collective (BSC) honored the legacy of Nick Gabaldón by hosting its annual community surf event on June 7 at Inkwell Beach in Santa Monica. Gabaldón is recognized as California’s earliest known African American surfer, and the Inkwell is a historic Black beach dating back to the Jim Crow era, one of the few places where Black Angelenos could safely enjoy the ocean. It was derogatorily referred to as “The Inkwell” by nearby Anglos in reference to the skin color of the beachgoers.
“A lot of people don’t realize that Santa Monica is one of the few coastal communities in L.A. County that has had an African American community since the late 1880s,” taught Dr. Alison Rose Jefferson, author of “Living the California Dream: African American Leisure Sites During the Jim Crow Era,” which details the historical significance of the African American experience for residents, visitors, and business people in the historic community of Santa Monica.
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“Nick’s family moved here around 1900. He was born and raised here in the 1920s, and he represents all of the African Americans who fought for their rights to pursue their dreams here in Southern California, including life, liberty, and the great outdoors.”
The BSC evolved from the Black Surfing Association (BSA).
“We branched off to serve the community more effectively,” explained co-president Greg Rachal, who, along with his wife Marie, directs the program.
“For some of us, surfing becomes a part of your soul. When you spend time in the ocean, it’s something that becomes a part of you, and riding the waves is something that you always want to do after you’ve experienced it. Today is for the kids.”
About 20 instructors and 75 young people gathered under overcast skies for a surf camp that began with a lesson on sand, the basics of water safety, and a history lesson on Nick Gabaldón’s significance in the area.
“We’ll get folks stretched out and warmed up, followed by a memorial celebration,” said surfing instructor Darrick Clayton, who drove in from San Francisco to join in the fun.
“When a surfer passes away, surfers will paddle out and form a big circle. Someone then leads the group in solemn remembrance, honor, and celebration by tossing flowers into the circle. After that, we’ll get them trained up and hopefully get them into their first wave.”
The event was organized in partnership with The Bay Foundation, Heal The Bay, One With The Ocean, Supervisor Holly Mitchell, LA28 Games, the Santa Monica Conservancy, The Surf Bus, the Aquatic Futures Foundation, and Los Courage Camps.
“We all work together,” shared Nathan Fluellen of “A Great Day In The Stoke” (AGDITS), the largest gathering of Black surfers in the world. “AGDITS focuses on the competition of surfing, and BSC focuses on introducing the sport to the Black community. It’s important for us to be here for them today.”
Sahrfilli Matturi, head instructor of SoFly Surf School, hosted the event.
“Surfing is for everyone. Most people are unaware that surfing originated in West Africa, which is our roots. There’s nothing like it. We’re connected with the spirit of the ocean and our true selves, and experience nature and enlighten ourselves,” he said.
Barry Snell is the councilman for the City of Santa Monica, which is an at-large district.
“This day has always been important to us. Nick’s accomplishments as a surfer, a community member, and a student in our school system and at Santa Monica College are some of the things we are proud of,” Snell said.
“For the [BSC] to bring out this kind of recognition for him right here at Inkwell Beach, I will gladly support this endeavor anytime.”
To sign up for the BSC Pan African Beach Day surf camps, visit https://www.blacksurferscollective.org/.
