DiscoverCulture CompassPacific surfers lead the next wave and shape a progressive surfing culture
Pacific surfers lead the next wave and shape a progressive surfing culture

Pacific surfers lead the next wave and shape a progressive surfing culture

Update: 2025-11-24
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From local beaches to world championships, a rising movement of Pacific board riders are charting a new course for surfing.

"Just being a brown person in the water is a claim to space."

In the Australian waters where Kuntamari Croft surfs, Pasifika board riders are rare. She's part of a rising movement demanding greater Pacific presence in lineups of beaches worldwide.

Meanwhile, in Papua New Guinea, "The Godfather of Surfing" Andy Abel is driving policies he created to that reshape the region's social and surf culture.

And on the global stage, Hawaiian Seth Moniz is the only Kanaka Maoli touring with the World Surfing Leage. He's inspiring the next generation of professional surfers.

Together, these passionate surfers are shaping policy, driving social change, and championing a Pacific-led surf culture recognised worldwide.

Culture Compass was produced by Deadset Studios for ABC Radio Australia.

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Pacific surfers lead the next wave and shape a progressive surfing culture

Pacific surfers lead the next wave and shape a progressive surfing culture

Australian Broadcasting Corporation