Vans’ Dylan Graves explores how the surf community can be better allies to LGBTQ+ surfers

Costa Mesa, CALIF. (June 2021) – Vans, the action sports brand, is proud to present Breaking Waves: Queer Surf, the latest project by Vans pro surfer and Weird Waves host Dylan Graves. In this short film, Dylan and producer Dave Malcolm explore the stereotypical perceptions that often exist within surf culture, as they seek to learn more about the experience of the LGBTQ+ community in the lineup and understand how all surfers can become better allies.

With Breaking Waves, Vans and Dylan shine a light on often overlooked and polarizing social issues and topics within surfing. In this episode, Dylan connects with San Francisco-based Queer Surf an organization dedicated to creating a safe space for marginalized people to express themselves and be their authentic selves at the beach and in the water.

“The conversations we are having are relatively new conversations for surfing,” Dylan said about launching Breaking Waves. “The only way to grow and learn is to talk about it. We wanted to talk to these groups about how they are feeling and how we can support their messages. They have just as much of a right to be at the beach as anyone else — this sounds so straightforward, and when you hear it out loud, you are just like ‘of course, why wouldn’t they be?’ But we are highlighting that these issues are still a sticking point within surf culture and looking at how we can reshape that.”

Queer Surf was co-founded in 2015 by former professional surfer Kyla Langen, who used to compete full-time on the WQS, and her partner Nicci Brisebois. Together, Queer Surf organizes meetups across California, encouraging diversity in the water and empowering individuals with the knowledge and confidence to safely navigate and enjoy the ocean without the extra factors of intimidation or exclusivity that can often be a part of the surfing experience.

Vans pro surfer Lee-Ann Curren also joins the conversation, adding her perspective on the process of coming out within the surf industry and highlighting the few likeminded peers and role models she could look to during the early years of her career. 

Serving as an ongoing catalyst for continued conversations, the Breaking Waves series aims to help eliminate existing boundaries, making the beach and the lineup a much more welcoming place for everyone. Stay tuned for the next episode highlighting the Black surf community.

 Watch Breaking Waves: Queer Surf here