Lou Harris' enthusiasm for life and people is all over his Instagram feed @black\_surfing\_rockaway. The Rockaway resident recounts surviving Sandy, life on the peninsula since the storm, and perceptions of being a surfer and black. As East Coast rep. for the Black Surfing Association he is breaking down barriers to get more kids of color out on their neighborhood waves. We visit one of Lou’s classes last summer to meet to girls as they catch their first waves.

Music credits: “Sayanora” by Benjamin Banger; “Transandino” by “ La venganza de cheetara