Knowing Gigi is too humble to see herself as the amazing role model I consider her, I asked her about any role models she might have, what draws her to surfing, and the impact she’s making off the board to help diversify the sport through her nonprofit organization called SurfearNEGRA.
GIGI - It’s funny. I keep getting asked the role model question. And, I’ve tried to come up with one! I really don’t have specific people that I can say I want to be “like”. I find many people inspirational. For example: Serena Williams - for her excellence in her craft. Beyonce - for her insane work ethic, consistency & unapologetic artwork. Tracy Ellis Ross - for her quirkiness and “non-traditional” beauty. Leah Dawson - for her unique surf style. Colin Kaepernick - for his courage (even if it wasn’t 100% intentional).
Although, this list might seem eclectic, I believe that everyone is impacted by a diverse set of influencers. That is what makes life interesting. And, when you’ve had the time and space to experience how those influences manifest themselves in life, it’s a beautiful thing. Personally, I’m learning to embrace my past experiences with my present reality. I’ve had a very non-traditional life thus far with many successes and even more failures. But, I can truly say every day that passes reveals the necessity for everything that has happened to me.
ML – Folks must find you interesting, while being perplexed at the same time. Are people surprised to see you surfing? What about other surfers? How do they accept you?
GIGI - It never ceases to amaze me how foreign the idea of a black woman surfer is for some people. Especially because I’m, by far, not the first. For the most part, locals in the lineup have been pretty accommodating when I show up to surf. Primarily because I wholeheartedly believe in practicing proper surf etiquette...ESPECIALLY when it’s not your home break.
However, the one question I’ve gotten repeatedly is “do you know what to do with that thing?” Usually it’s framed in a jocular way and then followed up with “It’s good to see someone like you out here.”
I try not to receive those statements as negative comments solely through the lens of gender and/or race. Instead, I view it as an acknowledgement that I am representing something different for the culture of surf that is needed and, ultimately, beneficial.
ML – You mentioned “home break” and “proper surf etiquette”. Living in Hawaii and Costa Rica, both big surf destinations, I have witnessed horror stories about locals being threatening to “visitors” or surf guys intimidating surfer girls. Have you experienced anything like that?
GIGI - I’m a pretty laid-back person and most people respond positively in my presence. So, I personally have not been met with much aggression when it comes to my surfing experience. However, I know for a fact that that is not true for other surfers of color. I’ve heard many stories and witnessed firsthand the covert and overt racism that transcends land and into the water. Spray painting on the side of cars “Go home N*##er!” Purposely ganging up on surfers in the water and cutting them off so they can’t catch waves without risking injury. The level of entitlement people can bring to a resource that no one owns is unreal.