A paddle out is a Hawaiian tradition that celebrates life and mourns its passing. A floating memorial. A way for surfers and ocean lovers to pay their respects in solidarity.
In early June we participated in two paddle outs to pay our respects to George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless other Black men and women who have lost their lives due to police brutality. We said their names, we called for justice, we called for peace, we cried, we smiled, we came together as a community in solidarity. As Selema Masekela said when he looked out over the sea of people at Moonlight Beach, "THIS is the America I know we can be!"
Below is a collection of 35mm film photos taken at both the Paddle for Peace in Encinitas, and the Paddle for Unity in Pacific Beach.
