Changing Current x Salty Afro
We didn’t have to look far to find our first collaborative effort for Changing Current. In fact, they were hiding out in one of my favorite travel destinations here in Costa Rica: Puerto Viejo. I suppose we should have expected nothing less from a place that prides itself in maintaining is strong cultural roots while harboring one of the baddest waves in Central America, but finding Salty Afro Surf here in Puerto, holding a safe space for the melanated surf community to come, discover, and thrive, came as a pleasant surprise.
Located on the lesser known and often overlooked Caribbean side of the country, Puerto Viejo is a hidden gem for travelers willing to go the extra mile. The combination of vibrant culture, mystic jungles, abundant wildlife, and magical beaches is second to none that I’ve encountered on my travels throughout Central America. I first visited Puerto on a high school trip when I was 16 and to this day it continues to call me back to its shores featuring friendly sloths, restaurants filled with tantalizing aromas, and endless reggae nights. It’s a rich, diverse and unique destination that will always remain close to my heart, a place I now share with my wife and two daughters and desire to share with others.
When it comes to surfing I always knew Puerto Viejo was big, but for one thing: Salsa Brava. This world class reef break located just offshore from the town's main beach is known for its powerful and hollow barrels, making it a favorite destination for experienced surfers from around the globe. It wasn’t until I started surfing that I realized Puerto Viejo had much more to offer when it came to waves (especially since I had no business paddling out to Salsa Brava); something for surfers of all experience levels in fact. And while I was familiar with the deep Afro-Caribbean roots running through the town, I didn’t gain a full appreciation for the connection between culture and surfing until recently; elevating my perspective of Puerto from a laid back surf town to an afro surfers’ mecca.
I recently sat down with Natasha, founder of Salty Afro Surf to find out more about the incredible experience her and her team have crafted for BIPOC surfers visiting Puerto Viejo. After talking with her I knew Salty Afro Surf was a perfect fit for Changing Current: our visions and goals aligned, the experience is one that participants will never forget, and I believe everyone needs to try rice and beans cooked in coconut milk before they die!
Here are some the highlights from our chat:
Hey Natasha! Thanks so much for sitting down with us today. Why don’t you start by telling us a bit about yourself. How did you come to where you are now in Puerto Viejo and Salty Afro Surf?
I'm a New York native of Jamaican descent who stumbled upon Puerto Viejo 9 years ago and never left. From the moment I stepped foot in this town it felt like home. I continue to be humbled and amazed by our community here!
What inspired you to create this space for melanated surfers in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica, and what is the vision behind it?
Surfing has been so healing for me. The gifts that I have received from my connection to surfing has had such positive effects on my life- and none of it would have been possible without this town. My goal is to create a space where other melanated surfers can also experience this. I see Salty Afro not only as a surf camp, but a form of healing for the melanated community.
We hear you have a pretty awesome team that you work with. Can you tell us a bit about the Salty Afro family?
The Salty Afro family consists of myself and Puerto Viejo natives of afro descent. Puerto Viejo is one of the few towns in the world that is home to afro surfers, and contributes to the reason why I felt so at home.
What do you hope one would gain from or leave with after their experience with Salty Afro?
Confidence. I hope that our attendees leave with the confidence to continue exploring their draw to the ocean through surfing, or any outlet they choose. I hope they leave with the knowledge they need to feel confident about pursuing what they love.
Besides surfing, what's one experience you're excited about sharing with us in the jungle of Costa Rica?
I can't just choose one but I know that people LOVE learning and experiencing the history of chocolate here in Costa Rica. That's why we spend time exploring the origins of chocolate here during our Salty Afro camp!
What are some of the challenges you see melanated surfers facing in the United States and/or globally right now? Do you see the same for your community in Puerto Viejo, are there areas they have overcome or are the challenges different?
Imagine feeling drawn to something- in this case, surfing. You want to experience this beautiful thing, but feel hesitant because you know you'd stand out. Be different. Unsure who you can reach out to learn, ask questions. This is what a lot of melanted surfers go through in the United States/ globally in places where the surf communities are not diverse. The biggest challenge is increasing access to these communities. In Puerto Viejo, that barrier doesn't exist- that is why we have such a diverse lineup. I feel like our town can function as an example of what can be done across the globe if we focus on increasing access to melanated communities.
What has surfing done for you as a woman of color? What things do you hope it does for others?
It's my therapy, my job, the love of my life, my saviour. My journey with surfing has allowed me to create life on my own terms guided by my passion and love of the sport. I know that it can do the same for others! I was able to find access to something that not many women of color have. I hope to change that.
What are some of the challenges that you have faced thus far, and how have you overcome them?
We are navigating uncharted territory. Although afro surfers have been around for generations, there are no guidelines or those that have come before. It's hard to convince everyone of our vision. So I've learned to stay focused on my own, and in due time, people will see it as well.
How do you see the Salty Afro evolving in the future, and what are your plans to expand its reach and impact?
I've already seen the program evolve organically. And I hope it can continue to do so. I hope that we become a space where we can provide resources to melanted communities in every aspect- media, surf camps, merchandise, workshops, just to name a few. We are planting the seeds now to see what this space will grow into the future!
How can people support Salty Afro Surf and its mission, and what impact can their support make on the future of the program and the black surfing community not only in Costa Rica but globally?
As a black owned small business, we welcome anyone who has the ability to share their own skills and resources to make our dream continue to thrive. We will be offering scholarships so that we can increase access to more people. Donating to the cause means we can continue to offer our experience to those who will really benefit.
What qualities do you look for in a participant, and how can someone get involved with you guys?
We look for those with an open mind and a desire to learn. The best way to get involved is attending our surf camps! However in the future we will also start to provide other outlets for people to get involved as well...stay tuned.
Finally, what's one piece of advice would you give to a young person of color just starting out with surfing or interested in getting involved?
Turn fear into curiosity. Do not let your internal voice hinder you from exploring. Use that voice to push yourself into new and maybe uncomfortable situations, because that is where the beauty of life really lives.
If you or anyone you know is interested in joining Natasha and her team at Salty Afro Surf in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica we encourage you to check out their website and reach out for details on their upcoming camps. Changing Current has also teamed up with Salty Afro Surf to provide additional opportunities for members of the BIPOC surf community to share in this unforgettable experience in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica through scholarship.
For more information on receiving support to attend one of these experiences, either as an individual or an organization, please reach out to us or click on the link below the video.
If you would like to make a donation and help make it possible for BIPOC surfers to travel with Salty Afro Surf through scholarship, please make a contribution here.