Lou Harris: The Wave Maker Behind Thin Ice with Amy Freeze
New York may be better known for pizza or rats in the Subway – but the beaches in Queens are making waves to keep teens out of trouble, and a Dad from Rockaway is leading the way. Lou Harris is a force of nature—both in and out of the water. As the founder of the East Coast chapter of the Black Surfing Association (BSA), he’s built a movement that’s as much about community and empowerment as it is about catching waves. His journey from skateboarding in Dix Hills to riding the surf at Rockaway Beach has not only transformed his own life but also reshaped the lives of countless young people along New York’s coast.
Meeting Lou
Amy Freeze & Lou Harris, Rockaway
I first met Lou in 2016 on the Rockaway boardwalk, and since then, I’ve been inspired by his work. Featuring him on my podcast Thin Ice is just one way to amplify his mission and the broader conversation about diversity in outdoor sports. Check him out on instagram and you can get in contact with him directly! Lou’s Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/black_surfing_rockaway Together, in the podcast we explore themes of resilience, representation, and the simple but profound truth that everyone deserves access to the water.
A Lifelong Connection to Water—And Its Barriers
For many, the ocean is a source of joy, but for Lou, it was also a space of exclusion. Surfing has long been perceived as a white-dominated sport, but through the BSA, he has been rewriting that narrative, introducing surfing to underrepresented communities and giving young Black and brown kids the confidence to embrace the ocean.
Since 2016, the BSA Rockaway chapter has provided free lessons, surfboards, and safety instruction to over 200 children—many of whom had never before stepped foot in the ocean despite living just blocks from the beach. For Lou, surfing is more than just a sport; it’s a tool for transformation, resilience, and opportunity.
Thin Ice and the Science of Buoyancy
Much like the ocean itself, life can be unpredictable and harsh. Lou understands that better than most, which is why his work resonates so deeply. He often compares the ocean’s ability to buoy up a surfer to the way community action can lift people out of struggle.
Think of it like this: Salt water takes longer to freeze than fresh water. It’s a metaphor for life’s challenges—the struggles, the setbacks, the unexpected hardships. But when fresh water rises and freezes solid, it forms an unbreakable barrier. Lou is that fresh water, lifting up the youth of Rockaway Beach and beyond, giving them something to stand on when the world feels like thin ice.
A Movement Inspired by Tragedy and Change
Lou’s commitment to at-risk youth began with a tragedy in 2014. A 13-year-old boy in Coney Island, out of boredom, started a fire that took the life of NYPD officer Dennis Guerra. The incident shook Lou deeply and propelled him to create an alternative path for young people at risk of making life-altering mistakes. STORY HERE https://abc7ny.com/coney-island-mattress-fire-arson/1385249/
Drawing inspiration from BSA founder Tony Corley—who started the West Coast chapter in 1974 to combat similar issues—Lou connected his love for surfing with his mission to provide structure, mentorship, and hope for the next generation. The work isn’t just about teaching kids how to ride waves; it’s about showing them how to navigate life’s currents.
Attention from The Daily Show Comedian Dulce: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DG9_cDSbHM&ab_channel=TheDailyShow
What started as a grassroots effort on Beach 116th Street has now become a national movement. Lou’s work has been featured on CNN, Good Morning America, Vice, and The Kelly Clarkson Show. Even Hollywood has taken notice, with actor Jonah Hill stepping up as a donor.
Why This Work Matters Now More Than Ever
The statistics paint a stark reality: Black children are seven times more likely to drown in swimming pools than white children. Drowning rates for Black individuals have increased by 28% in recent years, with nearly 60% of Black adults reporting they have never taken a formal swimming lesson. Lou sees these numbers as a call to action. “Seventy-five percent of youth drownings are Black kids,” Lou says. “A lot of the kids in Rockaway, you know, they live on the beach, but they can’t swim,” Harris says. By breaking down these barriers, Lou isn’t just teaching kids how to swim—he’s saving lives.
The Future of BSA
With the support of sponsors like Vans and a growing community of surfers, Lou isn’t slowing down. The movement continues to expand, reaching new cities, new schools, and new waves of future surfers.
From the Ocean to the Community—A Life’s Calling
Surfing, Lou says, is a lot like waiting for the A train—it doesn’t always come when you expect it, but when it does, you have to be ready to ride. His life’s work has become that very lesson: patience, perseverance, and the power of showing up for the next generation.
Whether it’s on the boardwalk, at Claudette’s, or out on the waves—one thing is clear: Lou Harris is here to make an impact. And thanks to his vision, the water is becoming a place of freedom, empowerment, and community for everyone. https://www.facebook.com/claudettes.nyc/
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