Pictures / Jena Cumbo @jenacumbo
Styling / Jesse James with Zingara Classic @zingaravintage
Starring / Jesse James @skelly_sister and Farmata Dia @farmy_
Photograph help, Marlow Wooden
Jesse James is a Rockaway-based stylist and surfer who runs Shred Thread, a undertaking that reimagines cross-stitching by way of a non-traditional strategy. Farmata Dia is a aggressive surfer, mannequin, and activist from Rockaway Seaside, NY, recognized for her work in selling browsing and wellness inside the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and Folks of Colour) neighborhood. She is a former mentee of the Laru Beya Collective, a non-profit that empowers youth by way of browsing, and has since change into a mentor herself. She can also be a mannequin and has collaborated with manufacturers like Ricki Seaside Membership.
Farmy Dia to Jesse James:
“What first drew you to browsing in Rockaway, and what’s saved you coming again?” When I first moved to Brooklyn, I felt a deep homesickness for the ocean- A sense that by no means actually left me after rising up on a tiny island, the place browsing, fishing, and being on the water have been a part of on a regular basis life. After Sandy, I began doing reduction work in Rockaway and shortly found that browsing was only a subway experience away. I started taking the practice with my board, typically chasing waves alone in less-than-ideal circumstances, however finally I discovered myself a part of the rising community- folks to plan hurricane swells with, individuals who had vehicles, folks just a bit too salty for pure metropolis life.
JJ to FD:
“What challenges do you assume ladies surfers nonetheless face within the lineup, even in a neighborhood as tight-knit as Rockaway?”
The tides have modified. The story of girls’s browsing is advancing quicker than we will sustain. However there are nonetheless many struggles we face from a scarcity of communal areas and occasions, to agro males within the water who deal with us like we’re beneath them. Since beginning Salty Sisters with my finest good friend, Autumn Kitchens, we’ve heard from so many ladies in our neighborhood how remoted they really feel. Everyone seems to be trying to make real connections and relationships with different ladies within the water, however doesn’t understand how. A couple of have had uncomfortable experiences with different folks, which saved them away from the water. Collectives everywhere in the world, like Laru Beya, Textured Waves, GRLSWRL, and INTRSXT SURF, have helped to create secure areas and share sources with ladies within the native communities.
FD to JJ:
“How would you describe the power or vibe within the Rockaway surf neighborhood, particularly amongst ladies?”
I’ve surfed all over the world and spent years on the west coast, however there’s one thing concerning the vibe in Rockaway that feels so enjoyable, mild, and playful. Perhaps it’s as a result of the waves are fickle- it retains issues from getting too severe. There’ll all the time be the occasional combat, or a little bit of territorial stress, however for probably the most half, individuals are simply on the market laughing, messing round, and genuinely having the very best time. It’s why we love browsing. I typically go searching and spot that almost all of the road up is ladies, a sight that brings me a lot pleasure, particularly since I grew up as considered one of solely two women out within the water. I feel there’s extra range within the lineup right here than wherever else on the planet. You see folks from each background and each stroll of life- it’s what’s so stunning about New York Metropolis. We’re all simply out right here sharing waves, and it makes the entire expertise really feel brighter, and extra human.
JJ to FD:
“Who or what has impressed you most in your browsing journey — regionally or past?”
Laru Beya Collective has had the biggest impression on me all through my browsing journey. A 501C-3 Nonprofit that empowers the youth of NYC by way of browsing. After I first began, they gave me the house, sources, and help to have enjoyable and fall in love with the game. As my love for browsing grew and it shifted from only a passion to a possible way of life. Laru Beya supplied me with mentors who taught me about completely different industries. I used to be in a position to pursue a life as a soul surfer. To this present day, any initiatives I’ve, journeys deliberate, assist wanted, they’re all the time the primary to help me. They noticed potential in me that I by no means knew I had, and they’re the explanation I’m in a position to dream with no restraints.
FD to JJ:
How have you ever seen the surf scene right here change over time — for higher or for worse?
I’ve positively seen the surf scene right here evolve over the years- not simply culturally, however bodily, with the shifting jetties and altering shoreline. After I first began browsing right here there have been solely a pair spots to surf. In some methods, that made it simple to collect and construct neighborhood. Like everybody was both within the 60’s or at ninetieth. Now with so many jetties stretching up and down the seashore, the whole lot feels extra unfold out- and regardless that it looks like there are far more folks within the water, it feels much less congested.
JJ to FD:
When you might describe Rockaway Seaside in three phrases, what would they be and why?
Resilient, Related, and Gem. Resilient for all that we continuously combat towards. Lack of inexpensive medical help and well being care. Powerful climate circumstances that proceed to slowly destroy our beachfronts and houses. Being so shut but up to now to one of many greatest cities within the world. However irrespective of what number of instances our streets are flooded, our hospitals burn down, and our grocery shops increase their costs, we proceed to maintain our heads held excessive and persevere by way of all of the challenges. Related as a result of on our little island, everybody is aware of everybody. There are such a lot of organisations and collectives right here to help our native communities. So many intersections we might or might not be conscious of. Gem as a result of there isn’t any different place on the planet that may examine to our small city in Far Rockaway, NY.
FD to JJ:
Are there any methods styling and browsing intersect in your life?
my curiosity in fashion has all the time come from a cultural fascination fairly than the excessive finish style world. My first aware fashion decisions have been formed by my obsession with surf and skate culture- carrying Roxy boardshorts and my brother’s hand-me-down skate tees. That affect nonetheless drives me in the present day. I’ve all the time been drawn to clothes with a way of utility and cultural which means.
JJ to FD:
You’re such an inspiration and have empowered so many in your hometown, at your private home break.
What are your plans and objectives within the subsequent few years for Salty Sisters and Laru Beya?
Over the subsequent few years I’m hoping to begin placing extra power into rising and sustaining salty sisters and Laru Beya collective. I’m wanting ahead to beginning the salty sisters podcast with Autumn. In addition to supporting our mentee in coaching in Labella by way of their transition into mentors.
