The Nautical Negro with Brian 'BJ' James
From WeSurf BIPOC Surf Talk by SwellSeason Surf Radio Station
September 26, 2025 · 1h 4m · Season 3 · Episode 17
About this episode
The episode features a conversation with Brian 'BJ' James about the culture of surfing in Rockaway and the importance of mentorship and community.
Summary This conversation explores the rich culture of surfing in Rockaway, highlighting the journey of Brian “BJ” James from their early days to becoming a community mentor. The discussion touches on themes of resilience, the impact of incarceration, and the importance of diversity in surfing. BJ shares personal stories and insights, emphasizing the role of mentorship and community in shaping a surfer's identity. The conversation also addresses the evolution of surfing culture and offers advice for new surfers, encouraging them to embrace their journey and treat every wave as a unique experience. Takeaways Surfing is not just a sport; it's a lifestyle.Community plays a crucial role in shaping a surfer's identity.Incarceration can lead to personal growth and reflection.Mentorship is vital in the surfing community.The importance of treating every wave like it's your last.Helping others can have a profound impact on their lives.The evolution of surfing culture reflects broader societal changes.Diversity in surfing is increasing, which is a positive development.Every surfer starts as a beginner, and that's okay.Sharing experiences and stories enriches the surfing community. The…
People in this episode
Guest: Brian 'BJ' James
Topics covered
- surf culture
- mentorship
- diversity in surfing
- personal growth
- community impact
- resilience
Keywords
- surfing
- community
- mentorship
- diversity
- personal growth
- Rockaway
- resilience
- surf culture
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: WTF Studios, The Swell Season Surf Radio Network
Places: Rockaway
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