California, the epitome of cool and alternative culture? But not everything was laid-back vibes. Swastikas were already adorning surfboards in the 1930s.

Surfing reflects wider racial problems that persist in the United States: many black surfers prefer to surf at night to avoid being harassed as segregation still casts a shadow over the beaches of California.

South of Los Angeles, the Bay Boys gang have terrorised and harassed outsiders. If you don't own a villa on the beach at Palos Verdes, or know someone who does, it's hard to catch a wave. But a handful of stubborn surfers have decided to resist this unfair localism.

From the beaches of California to the schools of central Los Angeles, black surfer groups are organising events and programmes for surfers and swimmers of colour. Their aim is to make swimming, surfing and going to the beach in California for everyone.