Thirty-five years ago, San Luis Obispo County native Tony Corley wrote a letter to Surfer Magazine, hoping to recruit other African-American surfers to communicate and share waves.
While the second letter he received was a racist threat with crude drawings and the letters “KKK,” subsequent mail came from many African-American surfers who were interested in hooking up. Thus, the Black Surfing Association was born.
This weekend, the Southern California chapter of the BSA will put on a free surfing clinic at a beach known as the Ink Well in Santa Monica. The Ink Well, once a “colored only” beach, is an important place in the history of African-American surfing because it marks the spot where Nick Gabaldon, the first documented black surfer, started surfing.
Gabaldon was tragically killed in a surf accident in 1951. A decade later, Corley started surfing in Cayucos.
You can read more about the BSA and Gabaldon here.
Tribune file photo: Courtesy of Tony Corley
Posted on September 17th, 2008 by Pat
Filed under: Surf stuff
My son loves surfing. He is African American.
His surf buddies moved to England. Since they left he’s been shy
about going to the beach.
I believe if he had some brothers for surf buddies, he would get back into the sport that he so much love.
Please respond.
Thank you.
Melissa Marshall
I hope you received my message that was just sent.
My phone number is 323 404-2773
As a young black mail I started surfing in 1976I was amazed at the people you meet while surfing? They come from incredibly diverse backgrounds but all share this lifestyle. It’s so interesting to learn about their personal lives and listen to their stories.
Greetings,
We are an A/A family moving to Thousand Oaks, Cal in December. Just saw your site. I have a 14 year old who probualy would love to attend any clinics you all have. His only experience with surfing is when he was in South African and took a lesson two years ago. He is currently on the High School Swim team. He doesn’t play other sports but love water.
Just tryin to keep his intrest in a positve manner…
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