Ocean
Equity
For All
Every community deserves the right to access, enjoy, and steward the coast. We dismantle the barriers that keep BIPOC families from the ocean.
The coast belongs to everyone.
The Access
Gap Is Real
California Coastal Commission data tells a clear story: Latinos make up 39.4% of the state's population but represent only 16% of ocean recreation participants. The gap isn't about interest — it's about access.
The barriers are systemic, not personal.
Equipment costs price families out. Transportation gaps keep inland communities landlocked. A lack of cultural representation makes the beach feel like someone else's space. And language barriers exclude Spanish-speaking families from programs that do exist.
Un Mar de Colores exists to close that gap — not with one-time events, but with sustained, free, bilingual, BIPOC-led programming that builds lasting ocean identity.
Four Pillars of
Ocean Equity
Equipment Access
Free surfboards, wetsuits, and gear for every participant. Cost should never be the reason a kid can't touch the ocean.
Cultural Representation
BIPOC-led instruction and bilingual programming so families see themselves reflected in who teaches, leads, and belongs at the beach.
Transportation
Removing geographic barriers by bringing communities to the coast. If the ocean isn't accessible, we bridge the gap.
Community Belonging
Building ocean identity through shared cultural experiences, family events, and intergenerational connection to the coast.
Equity in Action
Frequently Asked Questions
Ocean equity is the principle that every person — regardless of race, income, or zip code — deserves safe, welcoming, and affordable access to the coast. It recognizes that systemic barriers have historically excluded BIPOC communities from ocean spaces and works to dismantle those barriers.
Despite California's public coastline, access is deeply unequal. Latinos make up 39.4% of the state's population but represent only 16% of ocean recreation participants. Barriers include equipment costs, lack of transportation, language gaps, and the absence of cultural representation in coastal programming.
We remove the four biggest barriers: cost, transportation, cultural representation, and belonging. Every program is free, bilingual, BIPOC-led, and designed to build lasting ocean identity — not just one-time beach visits.
You can volunteer as a surf instructor or beach mentor, donate to fund free equipment and transportation, or partner with us as an organization. Visit our volunteer or donate pages to take the first step.
Yes. Every program — surf lessons, after-school programs, family beach days, and environmental education — is completely free for participants. We provide surfboards, wetsuits, instruction, and transportation support at zero cost to families.
Be Part of
The Change
Ocean equity starts with showing up. Explore our free programs, volunteer your time, or help fund access for BIPOC families on the California coast.