A Great Day in the Stoke (AGDITS) is redefining the Black surfing communities connection with the water. For the past five years, Huntington Beach has played host to the event, bringing the community together in a way that no event of its kind has yet to accomplish. Beneath the surface of the largest Black surfing event in the country, one word was consistently shared on the beach throughout the day, family.
“It’s the community that keeps bringing us back year after year,” says Greg Rachal, President of the Black Surfers Collective.
“We may not all be competitive surfers, but as an older guy, it makes me smile seeing so many young people of color surfing at such a high level. We come from different communities and bring our own vibes, but each year we come together to celebrate and cheer each other on. Surfing can be selfish and territorial, but when we all paddle out together, it’s family.”
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Many of the surfers who compete in this event are leaders in their communities and part of the wider ecosystem of Black surf culture. They are the organizations creating access, advocates changing the industry, elders preserving history, and the youth shaping what comes next.
Fifteen year old, Oceanside native, Maizy Gordan who competes on the USA Prime Series, is the youngest female surfer to compete in the women’s shortboard event. She’s taking inspiration from the Brazilian women in attendance, who are competing in the Qualifying Series. “It allows me to push myself to try and keep up with them,” says Gordon. “Knowing they do so well in those events makes me want to be like them and push harder.”
It’s common for surfers to be friends out of the water and competitors once they hit the lineup during a contest, but for this community, the kinship continues beyond the buzzer.
“Often in other contest settings, I isolate myself to focus on the heats,” continues Gordon. “Many people are in their own head space, which is great, and I love that as well, however, with AGDITS it’s pure fun, and about celebrating others.”
Textured Waves ambassador, Rachel Barrett, traveled down from Nova Scotia, Canada for the second year in a row to compete in women’s longboard at AGDITS. Huntington Beach continues to provide waves and camaraderie that keep bringing her back for more.
“Seeing everyone come together to move this momentum forward, even in challenging conditions, is inspiring,” continues Barrett. “It’s a gift to honor the legends who paved the way and celebrate the diversity of the community, all on the beach together. I’ll be carrying the fire from this event to keep me going through the Canadian winter.”
Documenting stories of surfers from around the world, We Surf Media Founder, Kwame LaBassiere, traveled from New York with a message of unity.
“At the heart of it, we’re building something bigger than surfing, we’re building family and creating opportunities for the next generation,” says LaBassiere. “Celebrating Black surfers, our history, culture, and contributions is about making sure everyone feels seen, welcomed, and connected. It’s not about excluding anyone, it’s about bringing more people into the fold and honoring the stories that have too often gone untold. The ocean has always been a place to come together, and there’s room for all of us in the lineup.”