Community Waves: Slater, Medina & Inclusive Surf Stoke
In the world of surfing, two legends made waves recently—literally. Kelly Slater, the 11-time world champion, and Gabriel Medina, a three-time world title holder and Brazilian icon, spent a day together at Beyond the Club São Paulo. It's a wave pool where Medina is an investor, and the session was nothing short of spectacular. With 14 world titles between them, the surfing community was buzzing. They posed for photos, shared laughs, and even Medina offered Slater a signature 'Medininha' surfboard for kids—since Slater is a father of two (soon to be three!). The actual surfing? Well, let's just say it was mind-blowing. You can get the full scoop from The Inertia.
But surfing isn't just about the pros; it's about the community. Down under in Australia, sisters Amber and Phoebe Conroy noticed a gap in the Illawarra area for women surfers. They missed the tight-knit community from their Gold Coast days, so they created Sea State. This grassroots group is for women who want to surf or find mates to hit the waves with. Amber taught herself as an adult, and Phoebe, initially nervous to paddle out alone, found that having a supportive network made all the difference. Now, they're building that same sense of belonging for others in the Illawarra. It's a story of empowerment and friendship in the lineup. Check out more over at Region Illawarra.
Meanwhile, in South Africa, the Roxy Davis Foundation is using the power of the ocean to heal and include. They're hosting a Surf Therapy & Beach Day to celebrate International Wheelchair Day and promote accessibility. For participants, being in the water feels like freedom—one participant shared, 'When I'm in the ocean, I feel like I'm not missing a body part. It's like I'm fully me. I'm home.' Volunteers are the backbone of this initiative, making sure everyone experiences the joy of surfing. This foundation is creating spaces where the ocean becomes a place of freedom for all. You can learn more about their work here.
From wave pools to women's groups and inclusive therapy, the surf community is proving that the stoke is for everyone. Whether you're a legend like Slater or Medina, a woman finding her footing, or someone discovering the ocean's healing power, there's a place for you in the lineup.