In this episode of the WeSurf Podcast, hosts Kwame and Nigel welcome Gregory Rachal, president and co-founder of the Black Surfers Collective. They discuss Gregory's personal journey into surfing, the formation and mission of the Black Surfers Collective, and the importance of community in surfing. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by Black surfers, the significance of events like Nick Gabaldon Day, and the need for greater diversity and inclusion in the surf industry. Gregory shares insights on overcoming barriers in competitive surfing and emphasizes the importance of reclaiming the presence of people of color in the water.

To Learn more about the Black Surfers Collective you can go to http://www.blacksurferscollective.org
Or follow them on Instagram at: @blacksurferscollective 

The WeSurf Podcast is recorded by WTF Studios and is distributed by The Swell Season Surf Radio Network.
www.swellseasonsurfradio.com

Follow the WeSurf Podcast on Instagram @wesurfpodcast

Show Notes: 
00:00 Introduction and Warm Welcome
01:23 Meet Gregory Rochelle: A Hero Among Us
02:38 Gregory's Journey into Surfing
04:35 The Birth of the Black Surfers Collective
07:07 Challenges and Triumphs in Surfing
14:12 Nick Gabaldon Day: Honoring a Pioneer
21:37 Future Vision for the Black Surfers Collective
24:02 The Cost of Competitive Surfing
27:34 Community Support and Surfing
31:37 Diversity and Inclusion in the Surf Industry
32:50 Challenges of Storing Old Boards
33:14 Supporting the Surfing Community
33:39 Reflections on the Surf Industry
34:06 The Impact of 2020 on Surf Culture
36:06 Building a New Table in Surfing
39:43 Overcoming Financial Challenges
42:12 Surfing Routines and Favorite Spots
45:07 Encouragement for Aspiring Black Surfers
48:16 The Importance of Community
51:32 Historical Black Surfers
55:16 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts