E21. Tribe of Zen Founder Kwame LaBassiere: Diversity in the Lineup

With the unrest that happened in summer 2020, more and more surfers of color are emerging and finding a space in the lineup. And yet, there is still resistance from other people of color and certain disbelief from others.

In this podcast episode, I got the chance to talk to Kwame LaBassiere about diversity in the lineup, Tribe of Zen, being an activist and ocean conservationist, how's it like surfing in Rockaway, and many more.

More About Kwame LaBassiere:

He has been surfing for 19 years.

He is the Head Surf Instructor for New York Surf School and also a yoga instructor.

He participated in the Black Surfing Association East Coast Chapter paddle out for racial injustice last June in the wake of George Floyd’s murder as the Kahuna Nui or ocean priest. 

He is an activist and ocean conservationist.

Social Media Profiles:

Kwame:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/kwamelabassiere/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/kwame.labassiere

Tribe of Zen:

Website: https://tribeofzen.org/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/Tribe_of_zen/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/tribeofzen/

YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtxgPT9x-RK29ciBkUyf2Ew

Black Surfing Association East Coast Chapter:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/black_surfing_rockaway/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/Black-Surfing-Association-EC-372705273264748/

Other links Kwame mentioned:

Benny Surf’s Collective: https://www.instagram.com/bennys.club/

Topics Covered:

You are originally from the Caribbean—how did you end up in NY?

What’s it like surfing in Rockaway?

What was the inspiration for Tribe of Zen?

What kind of activities are you doing at Tribe of Zen?

Talk to me about diversity in the lineup.

Are you optimistic about the future of America?

What needs to change in your opinion?

Describe your first surfboard?

What is the best wave you have surfed?

Your favorite surf trip?

Did we miss anything?

Location: Rockaway, New York

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This podcast is produced by Derek Dodds, founder of Wave Tribe and lover of the sea.

For more info, email [email protected]

https://www.wavetribe.com/

https://www.instagram.com/wavetribe/

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