5/27/06 Much love Marcus Page
On a dreary grey overcast morning, the So cal Chapter of the BSA had it's Memorial Paddle Out for it's fallen brother, Marcus Page. In a show of respect, approx. 15 California Black surfers shared a moment of silence, eulogies, and praise before then paddled out at the SM Inkwell to distribute flowers in the surf and ride a last wave with brother Marcus. See his bio at www.delmarvanow.com/debeachcomber/stories/20060407/2271342.html
5/20/06 Women dominate Surf Camp Clinic
In the past, the BSA Surf Camp events have traditionally been about giving free lessons and sharing the stoke of surfing with kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the joy of surfing. This Springs clinic brought out a strong contingent of Black women determined to add surfing to their repatoire. On that day at the Inkwell in Santa Monica, the Sisters charged the waves and dominated the break. The future is now and the world is changing. Thank you Suyen, Nicole, Sharon and Andrea for your commitment to surfing.
5/7/06 BSA Spring Surf Contest Rocks
The 2 nd Annual Spring Pro-Am Surf Contest sponsored by Fysh Out of Water, ESPN2, LRG, Red Bull and a host of others represented the largest Black beach event ever. More than just a competition, 500 folks turned out to participated in the fun filled day which featured a mixture of eclectic cross cultural elements of urban hip hop, surf, skate and Rasta. Guest appearances were made by ESPN host and Black surfer Sal Masekela, along with Pro surfer, Brad Gerlach Tito Jackson and the cast of the new TV show "Island Hopping". Mother Nature provided us a beautiful day with glassy 3'-5' ft waves, and brought us black surfers from all over the world. It was truly and unforgettable event. For more info go to www.teamfysh.com
4/15/06 New Black Skateboard Company Owner
Marty Grimes, original Dogtown and Z-Flex Skate Team rider has officially launched the web site for his new company INNER CITY BANK PLANKS (icbp). Marty, the first Black USA Skate board Professional and BSA member has boards in fine skate shops nationwide or check his site at www.martygrimesicbp.com/
3/25/06 Black surfer gone, but not forgotten
Popular Black surf personality Marcus Page, died in a tragic accident while riding double overhead waves at North Carolinas, Cape Hatterus. A decorated military man, Marcus was able to share his love for the ocean as he traveled the world. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. The Social Chapter of the BSA is planning a memorial paddle-out to pay it's respects in his behalf. Much love Brother Marcus...Get more info at www.delmarvanow.com/debeachcomber/stories/20060407/2271342.html
2/6/06 CSN gaining support
The Caribbean Surf Network has begun to pick up steam with more and more positive feedback coming in from around the Caribbean. On board thus far - Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad, Tobago and talks have begun with surfers in Guadalupe, and Puerto Rico. Stay tuned for more at www.quashi.com
1/20/06 BSA Blackout brings surfers together
The skies were grey and overcast and the swell was a scant 2'-3' at County Line for the BSA Winter Blackout 2006 but that didn't stop the enthusiasm that Black surfers had for riding waves with other brothers and sisters from San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
1/16/06 -Quashi introduces new Caribbean Surf Network
Quashi Surfboards announced this month, the official formation of the Caribbean Surfing Network (CSN). The CSN will be made up of surfers from various islands to create a Caribbean Surfing Tour. Plans include finally getting into the limelight of the massive action sports industry. Thus far there are four countries involved and more to follow. This will be a great thing for the Caribbean, its surfers and tourism for the region. Quashi is proud to be a part of the CSN. Blacksurfing will also lend its support. Get more info at www.caribbeansurfnetwork.com
2/21/06 BSA’s surfing World Tour
23 year old Santa Cruz Black surfer, Rahim Walker, has set out to make history by embarking on a 5 year surfing journey, aimed at world travel, adventure, and self discovery. So far he’s surfed in South Africa, Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua and Chile. He is currently living on the North Shore. Click picture for latest update on Rahim.
1/6/06 Andrea featured in L.A. Watts Times
Andrea Kabwasa is rapidly becoming one of the most sought surfing personalities on the California coast. With modeling, magazines and murals, Andrea is now preparing her own line of t-shirts.
12/3/05: Rusty Continues his winning ways
11/25/05 BSA helps liberate Asbury Park,NJ
Helping to dispel the myth that Blacks don't surf, Blacksurfing activist and historian, Rick Blocker addresses the surf students at Surfriders Asbury Park Clinic. The Surfer's Path was there to cover the story.
11/04/05: Rusty surfs REEF PRO in Barbados
For the second straight year BSA surfer, Rusty White competed against the worlds best professional surfers at Soup Bowls in Barbados. This year the blacksurfing coalition pooled our funds and helped provide financial assistance and official sponsorship for Rusty. We are proud of his participation REEF PRO CLASSIC SURF CONTEST.
10/15/05: Andrea Kabwasa: Woman to Watch
Essence Magazine, acknowledged Blacksurfing Team rider, Andrea Kabwasa's as among the new rising stars of inspiration and motivation here in California. This LAUSD school teacher now has her sights set on developing ways to teach more inner city kids how to surf. You go girl! Woman To Watch , Essence Magazine October 2005 page 86.
10/10/05: Team Jamaica raids World Championships
The all Black Jamaica surf Team arrived full of enthusiasm for their new adventure. This Olympic style competition pitted the world best teenage surfers against one another in fierce competition. The BSA officially welcomed the JSA Team a special hospitality luncheon. Top finishers were Icah Wilmont and Bob the Builder The Jamaican Team finished 17 th in the world. Major props are in order...
09/15/05: Nick's Legendary Pier Ride
With so little documentation about Nick Gabaldon, California's first Black surfing legend, any info is a major event. Premiere magazine, The Surfer's Journal penned a surf history story by Malibu surfing legend Les Williams . You can find it in Volume 14, Number 1, page 123. Also, see Rick Blocker's response letter to the editor ref: Nick Gabaldon in XX Volume XX.
08/23/05: BSA holds Inkwell Surf Camp
The Socal Chapter of the BSA held its 7 th Annual Surf Camp at the infamous Santa Monica Inkwell. Once again Black surfers rallied together and gave free surf lessons to all comers. Named the "Homie Big Blackout and Surf Camp Saturday" this years event was sponsored by Brooklyn Surfer and Soul1.
08/01/05: BSA Mural unveiled on Boardwalk
There on the world famous Venice Boardwalk at 7 th Place there is a 40 foot mural painting of BSA founder, Tony Corley and longboard stylist Andrea Kabwasa that stands as a monument to all Black surfing. On any warm summer day thousands of people get to see just what is possible in the Old and New Schools of surfing. Nissan Motor Corp.
07/09/05: BSA surfers Win Contest Trophies
06/09/05: Surfrider Foundation Invites BSA
05/23/05: BSA storms Zuma Beach
In preparation for the coming summer and in customary fashion the Socal Chapter hosted its spring BSA BLACKOUT . An opportunity promote awareness and comradeship the black brought out some 20 black surfers to share waves, songs and food. Although the weather was gloomy, it did not dampen the spirits of the dedicated surfers.
05/01/05: Billy Wilmont tames Hurricane Ivan
In September 2004 most inhabitants of Jamaica's Southside were boarding up their homes in preparation for a category 5 Hurricane named Ivan. But the Godfather of Jamaican surfing, Billy Wilmont spent his time riding the last waves of his local break "ZOO". See the photos and read the account of legendary Black surfers in Jamaica in The Surfer's Path Jan/Feb 2005 issue 46 page 36 Billy Went Out
03/15/05: BSA Displays in Smithsonian Exhibit
The Museum of Arts and Sciences opened its exhibit on Americas fascination with the surfing popular culture in its museum in Daytona Beach Florida . The BSA contributed an array of memorabilia, past and present to the show to help broaden the traditional scope of surf culture. Photographs and realia were borrowed from the Rick Blocker Collection.
02/15/05: BSA surfers featured in Nissan Ads
In appreciation of Black History month the Nissan Motor Corp. has honored the BSA with a 2 page spread of action surfing shots featuringBSA founder, Tony Corley and current BSA woman's standout, Andrea KabwasaThe ads have run in Vibe, Essence, and XXX magazines and have greatly increased our exposure as Black surfers.
02/0705: BSA SoCal Elects New President
01/01/05: Solo Scott rips Oahu and Australia
Past United States Surfing Champion and original BSA member, Solo Scott of Venice, Ca continued his worldwide trek and his ambassador duties by going on a 4 week surf expedition that stretched throughout 2 continents. Solo shredded both the North Shore and the Gold Coast while visiting with many of his pro tour friends.