From skateboarding in São Paulo to surfing at Tourmaline, Adriel Mendes's journey is one of inclusivity. After moving to San Diego in 2019, surfing became more than just a sport, it became a way of life. Inspired by the need for greater representation in the lineup, Adriel founded Black Surfer Crew. This created a space where diversity thrives, barriers break, and everyone can connect. For him, surfing isn’t just about riding waves—it’s about connection and making the ocean a place for all.
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Q. What got you into surfing and where is your favorite spot to go?
Adriel - Before 2021, surfing wasn’t even a real thing for me. I was just a kid in São Paulo, skateboarding and flipping through surf magazines. Surfing felt so far away—the nearest beach was two hours and way too expensive to get to. When I moved to San Diego in 2019, I started watching the old guys surf at Tourmaline. I kept thinking, Why am I not out there? That’s when it all started. Tourmaline is still my favorite spot. There are cleaner beaches and better waves, but nothing beats the vibe and the people at Tourmo. It’s just different.
Q. Tell us about your journey learning to surf. What were some of the challenges or triumphs you faced, especially starting in 2019?
Adriel - Learning to surf at Tourmaline is awesome because there are beginners out there every day. It’s great to see others learning too—it keeps you motivated. Like any beginner, I started small: sitting on the board, catching waves lying down, and then riding them straight to shore. Things got interesting (and chaotic) when I started running into people. One time, I ran over a well-respected local named Tom. He wasn’t happy and let me know it! But after a few days of seeing me out there surfing every single day, he softened up. Eventually, Tom started giving me tips, surfed with me in a bunch of sessions, and even became my friend. That’s pretty much how it all started for me!
Q. How would you compare the differences/similarities between the surf culture & surf community in Brazil compared to San Diego?
Adriel - These days, the Brazilian community is enjoying a new phase in surfing because it’s finally more accessible. For us, surfing is something we’ve had to fight for and earn, it’s not always easy, but it’s rewarding. In California, though, it’s a whole different reality. Surfing here is a lifestyle, and for many, it’s tied directly to work. The industry has so much investment that it’s able to sustain businesses and create a massive community. At the end of the day, surfing in California isn’t just a passion, it’s a way of life.
Q. What inspired you to found Black Surfer Crew?
Adriel - Here are a feel key inspirational reasons;
1. The Black community is a minority in surfing and needs strong role models grown athletes who can inspire kids to believe, “This is possible for me too.” Seeing someone who looks like you in the water can spark dreams and shape futures.
2. Being on the border, San Diego is home to people from all over the world, and even travelers flying into. California is a sanctuary state, meaning there’s a mix of cultures here, yet many of these groups are still underrepresented in the surf industry. They deserve to explore and feel included in this space too.
3. Black Surf Crew’s foundation started with a simple chat at Tourmaline. One day, a guy paddled up to me and asked if I was Brazilian. He started speaking Portuguese with a thick accent—turns out, Carl was half American, half Brazilian, raised between New York and Rio de Janeiro. He told me, “Bro, I’m from NYC, and I miss meeting all kinds of different people. How about we start a community that spreads that stoke?” And just like that, here we are.
Q. For someone who might not know what Black Surfer Crew is, can you share a little more about it and the events and initiatives you are working on in the community to foster a diverse and inclusive surf community?
Adriel - As a dynamic community/lifestyle brand, we’re dedicated to building a global surf community that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. Our mission is to foster an inclusive surf culture that transcends borders, promoting multiculturalism. Through our crew, we aim to create an inviting lifestyle where everyone feels a sense of belonging and connection to the waves that bind us together and be the leading surf lifestyle brand that celebrates diversity and inclusion, inspiring a global community of surfers to ride the waves with confidence and pride.
Q. How has surfing and the ocean shaped your perspective on community?
Adriel - Living practically in the water shapes our perspective for sure—not just on life, but on each other. It humbles us, connects us, and reminds us how small we are in something so vast.
Q. How does surfing affect your mood and mindset?
Adriel - Surfing isn’t just a sport—it’s a whole mindset. A good session gets you feeling unstoppable, clear, and stoked, but flat days? They’ll test you. Like any sport, there’s that “mission accomplished” feeling, but surfing hits different—it shapes your mood, your mindset, and your connection to the ocean in a way nothing else can.
Q. Do you have any advice for someone who wants to get into surfing or join a community like Black Surfer Crew?
