BLACK SURFER CHICK: Haben Girma, Surfer & 1st Deafblind Harvard Law Graduate


Haben Girma, 35, is the first deaf-blind Harvard Law Graduate and an avid surfer. Haben was introduced to the sport through the sub-genre of tandem surfing. The Encyclopedia of Surfing defines tandem surfing as “any two people riding the same board at once." Originating in Hawaii during the early 1900s, tandem surfing involves a tall surfer (usually a man) lifting a shorter surfer (a woman) over his/her head in different positions. Both surfers must balance on the surfboard while shifting into poses and contortions reminiscent of yoga and gymnastics. 

Check out Haben Tandem Surfing!


In a local interview at Swami's Beach in Encinitas, California, Haben said: “Surfing is fun for me because it's nice to be out in the ocean. The ocean is huge! And the ocean is symbolic of all the possibilities out there“(CB8, 2013). Haben’s life is also symbolic of the many possibilities available when one wants to succeed in a society where people with disabilities face discrimination. Born to Eritrean refugees, she had the opportunity to attend schools tailored to people with disabilities (which was not available to deaf-blind children in Eritrea) and she excelled in her studies, going on to attend Harvard Law School (NPR, 2015).In 2015, Haben introduced President Obama at the White House Celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Also, in 2013, she was awarded as the White House Champion for Change. Presently, a disability civil rights attorney, Haben works to advocate for others with deaf-blindness and the use of technology as a way to help them communicate.

(Girma, 2016)

Haben describes surfing as learning another way to communicate without the technology she uses daily (a digital Braille device) that is not compatible in water. She said, “I’ve been preparing for surf lessons by thinking about all the different ways people can communicate without using their voices or using hearing or vision,' she said. 'So thinking about tactile ways to communicate different surfing position, getting familiar with surfboards and getting familiar with the surf communicate' (DailyMail, 2016).

(JETTYGIRL,2016)
Haben has conquered many turbulent waves in her life and now surfs over the undulations, literally. She defines success as emerging through trial and error: “Success comes about through lots of failure and I’m not afraid to fall. I’m not afraid to get in the water, try something new, look silly for a little bit” (Washington Post, 2016).


Check out Habena surfing at Surf Diva School!








Haben's fearless attitude has not only helped her to excel in the field of law but also in surfing. She also enjoys kayaking and rock-climbing. It is a testament to her success today.

 What excuses do you have? Get out there and surf! I am so inspired by Haben's story. It also presents another discussion about disability within the skateboarding and action sports community. 

 Lets Give Haben a Shout Out!

 Follow Her on Twitter: @HabenGirma

 Check out these videos to learn more about Haben’s life and her advocacy:




Jamaican BLACK SURFER CHICK Imani Wilmot


Source: Surf Girls Jamaica,2012

Jamaica is not only know for it’s track and field stars but for it’s surfers. The Caribbean island has a strong history of surfing dating back to the 1960’s. Imani Wilmot, 21, also referred to as Jamaica’s “Daughter of Surfing” is the country’s top female surfer. This past summer,Imani was the first Jamaican female to win the Makka Pro International Surfing Championships. At the age of 9, Imani began surfing, she learned from her father, President of the Jamaican Surfers Association, and brothers who are also  professional surfers. 

In the July 2011 issue of  Teen Spirit E-zine , Imani said, “ to me, being a surfer is a privilege. It really doesn’t matter if you are male or female ‘cause everyone has their own unique experiences with the sport. The only thing I wish, is that there were more girls participating in the sport.” Imani also noted that a lot of girls in Jamaica don’t have the opportunity to surf. To increase their involvement Imani created Surf Like a Girl, a summer camp in which she teachers girls how to surf.

Imani was fortunate to be awarded the International Surfing Association Individual Scholarship, this award has allowed her to gain more participation in competitions and develop her skill. Imani is sponsored by INSIGHT clothing and Quashi surfboards.

Jamaica’s “Daughter of Surfing” is making her ranks in the surfing world and planting seeds of social good for unprivileged girls in Jamaica. Major props to Imani!

Learn more about Imani!




Check out Imani’s Ripping Skills!



I was so excited when I first read about Imani and I love seeing a fellow Caribbean sister defying the odds in a male-dominated sport. She is inspiring both Caribbean girls and girls of color all over the world to become more involved in surfing. As we say in the Caribbean “it’s only forward we going from here” and female athletes like Imani are helping to pave that path.


Happy Birthday Nick Gabaldon: First Man of African American Surfing


Source: Los Angeles Beat,2012
Nick Gabaldon was born on February 23,1927. He is the first documented African American surfer and known for regularly paddling 12 miles from Santa Monica to Malibu for the best waves.

Check out 12 Miles North, a documentary on Gabaldon's life at Nike Action's facebook page.

Nick (far right) surfing in Malibu.
Source: Los Angeles Beat,2012



A Must-See: 12 Miles North, The Nick Gabaldon Story

Hello BLACK SKATER CHICK family. I thought it would be fitting to touch on surfing culture,though many of us (especially on the East Coast) don't have the opportunity to surf. Surfing is the grandfather of snowboarding and skateboarding, plus its amazing.





I recently watched Nike's newly released inspirational documentary 12 Miles North: The Nick Gabaldon Story, the legacy of a surfer who died doing what he loved. Nick Gabaldon, born Nicolás Rolando Gabaldón, is recognized as the first documented African-American surfer. Gabaldon, also of Mexican descent, grew up in Santa Monica, California during the 1930's and 40's. At that time, to avoid racial tension, minorities and people color established their own part of the beach, the "Inkwell," to peacefully enjoy the waves and sunshine. Nick loved spending time at the beach body surfing, when he saw the lifeguards with their wooden boards it sparked his interest in surfing. 

Nick was always in search of best wave (like many surfers), so he paddled an extraordinary 12 miles  to Malibu, the epicenter of surfing. In Malibu, he quickly earned his respect surfing with a group of white surfers, not because of his color (to them color did not matter) but because of his skill. The distance that Nick traveled also amazed the Malibu surfers. He became apart of the tight-knit surfing brotherhood. Most of the brotherhood (now surfing pioneers and veterans) described Nick as great surfer with graceful form and genuine character.

Throughout 12 Miles North, Nick is credited for breaking down barriers of color in surfing. Tony Corley, the founder of the Black Surfing Association also speaks on Nick's impact. The film also features commentary by other professional athletes who overcame differences in sports due to race, gender and disability, such as, BMX rider Nigel Sylvester, Olympic swimmer Cullen Jones, WNBA basketball pro Lisa Leslie and Iron Man Champion Sarah Reinertsen. Ultimately, Nick Gabaldon's story continues to inspire a lot of people. 

 In 1951, Nick Gabaldon tragically drowned in a surfing accident while executing the stunt," shooting the pier."  It's so unfortunate that his life was cut short. Nick would have certainly been among the ranks in the surfing hall of fame with his Malibu buddies. The legacy of Nick Gabaldon still lives on. 

I encourage you to watch 12 Miles North  (while it is still available), it is about 30 minutes long. It is available for download or stream on Nike's Action Facebook Page. Also, check out the Black Surfing Association.



Trailer for 12 Miles North: The Nick Gabaldon Story 



Find your in surf life, whatever your calling might be and "SURF WITH NICK" shattering any barriers that try to block you.