Cape Fear Chapter Celebrates Another Successful Season of ALL in the Water Program

The Cape Fear Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation is celebrating yet another successful season of their transformative ALL in the Water program. The chapter capped off the season with a community celebration at Hi-Wire Brewing in October, where over 60 attendees gathered to learn about the program, celebrate its impact, and watch a video showcasing the program's accomplishments.

At the heart of ALL in the Water is the belief that transformative relationships with our waterfronts foster a deeper desire to protect them. These relationships inspire people to engage in creative advocacy to ensure these spaces are stewarded for future generations. However, historic inequities in southeastern North Carolina have made it difficult for many local community members to build such a relationship with the water.

The ALL in the Water initiative, now in its fourth year, was formed to address these disparities. In collaboration with NSEA Swim Foundation and Voyage of Wilmington, the program provides local youth and adults with free swim lessons, along with surf and kayak instruction from Sweetwater Surf School, Odyssea Surf School, and Wilmington Outdoor Adventures. Participants also have the opportunity to explore careers in ocean science through partnerships with UNCW’s Center for Marine Science and Cape Fear Community College’s Marine Technology program.

Naya Carter of Voyage of Wilmington highlighted the program's impact, saying, “Programs like this are crucial for healing generational trauma in communities that historically lacked access or instruction to learn how to swim. It’s heartwarming to see so many people come together to break down these barriers.”

As the Cape Fear Chapter looks to the future, they remain dedicated to growing ALL in the Water and continuing to create opportunities for people of all backgrounds to experience and protect their coastal environments. The chapter’s ongoing efforts highlight the importance of community-led, inclusive environmental stewardship, ensuring the love for our oceans and waterways extends to all.

If you'd like to contribute to this program, the Cape Fear Chapter is currently fundraising for the 2025 season. Support the program here!