Waves are territorial, marked if you will, and historically, have not been open to Black people.
Here, one can indulge in coastal bicycle rides, beach yoga, and sea moss-infused smoothies.
Another big draw toLos Angelesis the booming surf culture.
The sun setting over the Venice Beach boardwalk.Credit:Joecho-16/Getty Images
Waves are territorial, marked if you will, and historically, have not been open to Black people.
Now, Black surf communities are creating spaces to change that.
David Mesfin
White surfers often live by the beach.
Jessa Williams and Tre-lan Michael with their boards posing on an LA beach at night.Courtesy of Sarah Wright
And they have a family member to teach them how to surf.
There is a big disconnect with those living in the inner city and dont have access to the beach.
In the early 1900s, Los Angeles beaches reflected the rigid racial segregation of the time.
Black Angelenos were often relegated to a few small, contested stretches of sand.
One of the most significant sites in this history isBruces Beachin Manhattan Beach.
Despite its popularity, the Bruces' success was met with harassment and hostility from white neighbors and officials.
While these communities are gaining international attention now, they are not entirely new to the L.A. area.
White surfers often live by the beach, Mesfin said.
And they have a family member to teach them how to surf.
There is a big disconnect with those living in the inner city and dont have access to the beach.
There are layers, Mesfin said.
We are creating an inclusive, curated safe space, Williams told T+L.
Jessa Williams and Tre-lan Michael with their boards posing on an LA beach at night.Courtesy of Sarah Wright
We are learning from people who look like us, see us, and understand us.
We are building a connection with other women and with the outdoors.
Surfing is just the vehicle for that.
Through groups like Intersxn, the beaches of L.A. are attracting more people of color to the waves.
