In this conversation, Kwame La Bassiere interviews Dr. Giovanni Martinez, a clinical psychologist in Puerto Rico who works with children with autism. Dr. Martinez started the organization Surf4Dem, which uses surf therapy to help children with autism improve their social communication skills, sensory processing disorders, and muscular tone. The therapy also has a positive impact on the families, as parents are encouraged to surf alongside their children. The program has been successful in providing unique therapeutic benefits and improving the overall well-being of the participants. Dr. Marti ..read more

In this episode of the WeSurf podcast, Kwame LaBassiere interviews two female surfers, Berna and Beah, about their experiences in the surfing community. They discuss how they got into surfing and the challenges they faced as beginners. The conversation also touches on the importance of etiquette in the lineup and the gray areas surrounding who has the right of way. Additionally, they explore the unique experiences and perspectives of being female surfers in a predominantly male-dominated sport.  The conversation touched on various topics related to surfing, including representation in th ..read more

Welcome to episode 7 of the We Surf podcast. Often you will hear surfers referred to as Wave Dancers. On this episode we meet wave dancers who are also ballet dancers. Mei and Shui Lee or as their instagram handle refers to them as The Lee Twins. Kwame discusses speaks to them about how and why they started surfing. How their dance background has helped their surfing. And some of the experiences they have had in the water, both negative and positive. Their energy is infectious and you don’t have to see them to tell that they were smiling throughout the entire conversation while simultaneously ..read more

Welcome to episode 6 of the WeSurf podcast. This episode is done a little differently. Co-host Kwame Labassiere, recorded this episode while in Puerto Rico at the International Surf Therapy Organization conference. While there he interviewed professional surfer Chris Dennis from Trinidad and Tobago. Chris is the co-founder of Waves for Hope, an organization that runs youth development programs that utilize surfing and mentorship to provide positive psychology education to at-risk youths in under-served communities across Trinidad & Tobago. Kwame talks to Chris about his upbringing in Trin ..read more

On this episode of WeSurf Nigel and Kwame speak with documentary filmmaker and reborn surfer Mosiah Moonsammy. An award winning filmmaker based in NYC, Mosiah's last project “Last Bodega In Brooklyn” played internationally on the film festival circuit and was received with rave reviews. After meeting Nigel at Station RBNY, Mosiah became interested in telling Nigel’s story and showing the world what a black owned surf shop in the Northeast of the US means to surfers of color through his current work in progress documentary, “Black Surfers in the Concrete Jungle”. The Film explores the exposure ..read more

On this episode of WeSurf, Nigel and Kwame have the Rockaway's own Paul Goddette and Quest Soliman to discuss their meteoric rise as Vloggers with their Youtube Channel, Stop Playin With Em. Paul and Quest have spent the good part of the last few years traveling and documenting their journey's. The conversation covers life on the road, being a black surfer in today's surf culture, the friends and family they have made while traveling and their latest film: "Stop Playin With Em". The energy and vibes radiating off these two is infectious. You will not be able to stop smiling. We hope you enjoy ..read more

Welcome to the first episode of WeSurf, a Vlog & Podcast showcasing surfing through the lens of people of color, indigenous peoples, LGBTQ+ community and the average everyday surfer. This show is centered on the Rockaway Surf community as it relates to the larger surfing culture. We hope to broaden the conversation as to what it means to be a surfer. On this premiere episode, our guest, Rockaway local, model, surfer, traveler, Farmata Dia. She discusses growing up in Rockaway, finding surfing, her involvement in Laru Beya and her latest surf travel stints in Senegal and Panama. The Fun is ..read more

Welcome to episode 6 of the WeSurf podcast. This episode is done a little differently. Co-host Kwame Labassiere, recorded this episode while in Puerto Rico at the International Surf Therapy Organization conference. While there he interviewed professional surfer Chris Dennis from Trinidad and Tobago. Chris is the co-founder of Waves for Hope, an organization that runs youth development programs that utilize surfing and mentorship to provide positive psychology education to at-risk youths in under-served communities across Trinidad & Tobago. Kwame talks to Chris about his upbringing in Trin ..read more

On this episode of WeSurf, Nigel and Kwame have the Rockaway's own Paul Goddette and Quest Soliman to discuss their meteoric rise as Vloggers with their Youtube Channel, Stop Playin With Em. Paul and Quest have spent the good part of the last few years traveling and documenting their journey's. The conversation covers life on the road, being a black surfer in today's surf culture, the friends and family they have made while traveling and their latest film: "Stop Playin With Em". The energy and vibes radiating off these two is infectious. You will not be able to stop smiling. We hope you enjoy ..read more

On this episode of WeSurf Nigel and Kwame speak with documentary filmmaker and reborn surfer Mosiah Moonsammy. An award winning filmmaker based in NYC, Mosiah's last project “Last Bodega In Brooklyn” played internationally on the film festival circuit and was received with rave reviews. After meeting Nigel at Station RBNY, Mosiah became interested in telling Nigel’s story and showing the world what a black owned surf shop in the Northeast of the US means to surfers of color through his current work in progress documentary, “Black Surfers in the Concrete Jungle”. The Film explores the exposure ..read more