[Editor's note: Since the time of writing, there has been overwhelming support for paddle outs around the world. Thousands of surfers have rallied together at far corners of the globe in collective support of equality. The most current list of locations is at the end of the article.]
Following the death of 46-year-old George Floyd while in custody of the Minneapolis police, protests in all forms have taken place throughout the United States, and carried over to Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
And now, surfers from around the world are voicing their support in the form of peaceful paddle outs.
For surfers, the paddle out tradition is longstanding and began as a tool for remembrance when some in the community passed. The act has since evolved to not only be a means of honoring a fallen friend's legacy, but also as a way to collectively raise awareness of social and environmental issues.
Over the past week, the surfing world has come together to spread love, and amplify the messages of equality and justice.
Paddle Out for George Floyd in Santa Monica, CA - WSL / John Suhar
Paddle outs for Floyd began in Santa Monica, Santa Cruz and Maui. And more many more continue to be organized around the world by organizations such as Black Girls Surf.
As one of the leading groups inspiring the involvement of young black women in the surfing community, Black Girls Surf has organized paddle outs as far as Dakar, Senegal, and Sydney, Australia.
"In Hawaii, when someone passes, you paddle out. You paddle out to honor their life and their contribution. You paddle out to pay respect," says JD Pells, co-organizer of the Maui paddle out at Launiupoko Beach Park.
Gippsland Paddle Out - WSL / Luke McNee
Paddle outs, with their history and uniqueness to the sport of surfing, have made them powerful tools of celebration, love, and methods for change.
For more information on paddle outs near you, connect with activists in your local community.
Completed and Upcoming Paddle Outs:
USA
- Santa Monica, CA
- Santa Cruz, CA
- Huntington Beach, CA
- Encinitas, CA
- San Diego, CA
- Monterey, CA
- Manhattan Beach, CA
- La Jolla, CA
- Santa Barbara, CA
- Pismo Beach, CA
- Pacifica, CA
- Scarborough, ME
- Carolina Beach, NC
- Nantucket, MA
- Rockaway, NY
- Montauk, NY
Hawaii
International
- Biarritz, France
- Bali, Indonesia
- Sydney, Australia
- Gippsland, Australia
- Gold Coast, Australia
- Surf Coast, Australia
- Ulladulla, Australia
- Dakar, Senegal
- Whangamatā, New Zealand
The Surfing Community Paddles Out For Equality
Bryan Benattou
[Editor's note: Since the time of writing, there has been overwhelming support for paddle outs around the world. Thousands of surfers have rallied together at far corners of the globe in collective support of equality. The most current list of locations is at the end of the article.]
Following the death of 46-year-old George Floyd while in custody of the Minneapolis police, protests in all forms have taken place throughout the United States, and carried over to Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
And now, surfers from around the world are voicing their support in the form of peaceful paddle outs.
For surfers, the paddle out tradition is longstanding and began as a tool for remembrance when some in the community passed. The act has since evolved to not only be a means of honoring a fallen friend's legacy, but also as a way to collectively raise awareness of social and environmental issues.
Over the past week, the surfing world has come together to spread love, and amplify the messages of equality and justice.
Paddle outs for Floyd began in Santa Monica, Santa Cruz and Maui. And more many more continue to be organized around the world by organizations such as Black Girls Surf.
As one of the leading groups inspiring the involvement of young black women in the surfing community, Black Girls Surf has organized paddle outs as far as Dakar, Senegal, and Sydney, Australia.
"In Hawaii, when someone passes, you paddle out. You paddle out to honor their life and their contribution. You paddle out to pay respect," says JD Pells, co-organizer of the Maui paddle out at Launiupoko Beach Park.
Paddle outs, with their history and uniqueness to the sport of surfing, have made them powerful tools of celebration, love, and methods for change.
For more information on paddle outs near you, connect with activists in your local community.
Completed and Upcoming Paddle Outs:
USA
Hawaii
International
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