Black Surf Santa Cruz

06/08/2026

More information for Liberation Paddle Out 2026:

Liberation Paddle Out (LPO) sixth annual event at Cowell Beach in Santa Cruz, CA.

06/08/2026

Donate to LPO 2026:

Help Black Surf Santa Cruz reach their goal by donating or sharing with your friends.

06/08/2026

Volunteer @ LPO 2026:

06/08/2026

RSVP for LPO 2026:

06/05/2026

That’s a wrap on our 2026 Spring PUP season‼️🎬🌊

We closed out our Spring Pop Up Program season on May 23rd. This season we surfed with 38 participants with the support of 14 volunteers & 3 staff over 5 sessions. We had one program cancellation due to weather / storm runoff that will be rescheduled for Fall 🤎🖤🤎

Many folks were new to ocean play — 21% had never surfed before and 37% had surfed fewer than 5 times. People traveled from across California (and beyond) to be in community with us.

Our participants reflected a range of lived experiences, with 89% identifying as Black alongside a broader mix of identities and lived experiences.

Participants continue to name cost, distance, fear, and scheduling as real barriers to access — reminders of why this work matters.

And most importantly: 100% of participants who shared feedback with us felt safe and supported. 🧡

One participant shared, “It made me want to pursue surfing.” 🖤🌊 We’ll be back for more Pop-Up Programs in the Fall! But for now, let’s go LPO !!

📸:Swipe to see the man behind the lens! Thank you .inthewild / for volunteering your time to help capture and document these precious moments with us 🖤🌊🫶🏾📸📸

06/04/2026

There are many hands that go into making this work possible 🖤

Calling all volunteers!! 🗣️ We’re looking for extra hands / support for our Liberation Paddle Out 💛 Tap the “LPO Volunteer Sign-Up” link in our bio to claim a shift.

Biggest needs:
• Event support (1–6 PM) + cleanup
• Post-event unloading

📍 Cowell Beach, Santa Cruz
📆 Friday, June 19, 2026

🖤 Want to support?
• Sign up to volunteer
• Donate via Venmo/PayPal: or our website
• Share this post + bring your people

We are tremendously grateful to the volunteers, sponsors, supporters, & community for making this event possible. Thank you so so much!

05/27/2026

05/26/2026

Calling all volunteers! 🗣️

At the heart of our work is a simple idea: more people deserve to feel safe, supported, and connected in and around the water. 🖤🌊

We’re opening applications for our 2026/2027 volunteer team and inviting folks to be part of making that possible. Whether you’re brand new, building your coaching confidence, or already experienced, there are multiple entry points into this community—and opportunities to grow over time.

🌊 Ways to Get Involved
• Swim Pilot Program Coaches (beginner water support)
• Surf Coaches / Instructors (Pop-Up programs)
• Paid Lead Surf Coach (seasonal leadership role)
• LPO Volunteers

✨ Training + stipends available for select roles
✨ Trauma-informed + CPR/First Aid included

🔗 Apply via link(s) in bio

05/20/2026

Our last program session was a fun and busy day at the beach alongside , sharing the beach, ocean time, and respect, & serving as a reminder that sharing community spaces only makes the day more awesome 🖤✨.

We had a mix of familiar faces and first time participants to feed off of the other’s energy. At first, the waves were looking flat like a post-nap afro, so we made the best out of the day and went for a sightseeing paddle tour of our beautiful cliffs and wildlife. Later in the session, we were blessed with some sets, some warm sunshine, and waves were caught 🥳!

All is well, and another beautiful day was spent with incredible people! ☀️🌸🌊

🌊 Our Pop Up Programs are currently funded through Explore the Coast a project of the CA Coastal Conservancy. A heartfelt thank you to for their generous continued support of our programs! 🙏🏾