What We're Watching, Vol 1: Wade in the Water

One project that has been near and dear to our hearts here at Thermal is the documentary film Wade in the Water: A Journey into Black Surfing and Aquatic Culture (WITW). The film is a blend of narratives featuring multiple stories that help the viewer get a better sense of two themes; one being the deep history of surfing and aquatic prowess in West African culture, and the second being the birth and evolution of the black surf movement in North America.

Woven into the film are powerful voices ranging from people like Tony Corley, Sharon Shaffer, Dr. Kevin Dawson, Kayiita Johansson, Chris Dennis, and Selema Masekela. We are very proud to announce that, since the release of the film, Chris Dennis is now part of the Thermal community as our guide in Trinidad. Chris' passion and expertise in the ocean, as well as his service and dedication to his community, embodies what it means to be a Thermal guide. For those interested, you can check out his Trinidad adventure.

For those who are not familiar with the grassroots movement of BIPOC inclusivity in surfing, or have never picked up a copy of AFROSURF, the film will come as a welcome introduction that sears unforgettably into your memory like an epic set wave. For those who are immersed in the world of surfing inclusivity, you know it's just the tip of the spear and there is so much to come from the myriad of people taking to the water and finding healing, community, and stoke.

That’s what we love about the film, you get a glimpse into the groundswell of support that is rising up to usher in this new age of surfing. All around the country, individuals and organizations working hard to increase ocean access and WITW includes interviews with surfers on both sides of the board–the founders and mentors as well as the participants.

Executive Producer, Beyin Abraha, recently took a trip to Puerto Rico for a special screening of Wade in the Water as part of the conference of the International Surf Therapy Organization where he met Eddie Donnellan, co-founder of the MeWater Foundation. It wasn’t long before the idea of a San Francisco screening was born and the supportive surf community quickly coalesced around helping realize the event. In addition to the MeWater Foundation, groups such as City Surf Project, Black.Surfers, Black Surf Santa Cruz, WithItGirl, QUEERSURF, Salted Roots, and the San Francisco chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, are all involved. Thanks to their efforts, and the generosity of supporters, there will be a sliding-scale donation system for tickets to ensure all can attend.

Please come join us on Thursday, February, 29th, from 6-9 P.M. at the BIPOC owned-and-operated Brava Theater Center for a special screening of WITW and Q&A with Beyin alongside local community leaders, surfers, and filmmakers like Lawrence Rickford and Sachi Cunningham, and a raffle with prizes from brands like Patagonia and Yeti. 

Tickets are available at: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/38fde05b-76b0-4814-8720-8407878be70d