The Beach Ball

Black Surf Santa Cruz's First Ever Fundraising Celebration

Join us for The Beach Ball, Black Surf Santa Cruz's first-ever fundraising celebration - an unforgettable evening of art, music, storytelling, food, and community. Together, we'll celebrate the people, programs, and vision that have shaped BSSC over the past six years while raising critical support for the future of our work.

Whether you've been part of our community from the beginning or are just discovering us, we'd love to celebrate with you.

Our Story

Black Surf Santa Cruz was born from a moment of reflection and possibility.

In 2020, following the murder of George Floyd, our founder, Esabella Bonner, participated in a community paddle out held in solidarity. Standing on the shoreline, she witnessed the ocean's incredible ability to foster healing, connection, and collective care. At the same time, she recognized how rarely Black and other BIPOC communities were welcomed into or represented within surf and coastal spaces.

That moment became a question:

What would it look like if everyone truly felt they belonged in the ocean?

From that vision, Black Surf Santa Cruz was created.

Today, BSSC is a year-round nonprofit providing free, culturally grounded programs through surfing, swimming, recreation, education, and wellness. Since our founding, we've welcomed more than 1,800 Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color into the ocean, many experiencing surfing or swimming for the very first time.

Through programs like our Pop-Up Program, Prepare to Pop-Up, Liberation Paddle Out, and our Swim Pilot Program, we're helping people build confidence in the water, develop lasting community, and experience the coast as a place of joy, healing, and belonging.

Why The Beach Ball Matters

The Beach Ball marks an exciting milestone for our organization - our very first fundraising celebration.

This evening isn't just about looking back at what we've accomplished together. It's about investing in what comes next.

Your ticket or donation helps us continue removing barriers to ocean access by providing free programming, surf equipment, swim instruction, transportation assistance, and welcoming community spaces where Black and BIPOC individuals can safely experience the transformative power of the ocean.

Every contribution helps ensure that our programs remain free and accessible to the communities we serve.

Celebrate With Us

Spend the evening enjoying inspiring stories, local art, music, delicious food, and meaningful connection with the people who make Black Surf Santa Cruz possible.

Together, we'll celebrate six years of impact while helping write the next chapter of our story.

Thank you for believing in a future where everyone has the opportunity to experience joy, healing, and belonging in the ocean.

We can't wait to celebrate with you at The Beach Ball.

The Beach Ball Fundraiser for Black Surf Santa Cruz

Join us for The Beach Ball, Black Surf Santa Cruz's first-ever fundraising celebration! Spend an unforgettable evening enjoying art, music, food, and community while getting to know the people, stories, and vision behind BSSC.