Surfing is a dynamic, exciting, action-packed sport that brings enjoyment to millions of people around the world. Yet the rich history of the water sport is not without controversy. 

Without people of color, surfing would not exist as it does today. Yet in the mainstream, surfing has been whitewashed and the impact of other groups has largely been wiped out and forgotten. Today, several surfing leaders are “decolonizing” the industry and working to make real change for the better. From overcoming racism and remembering the original purpose of surf culture, here are the ways surfing has evolved.