Photos / Jena Cumbo @jenacumbo
Styling / Jesse James with Zingara Vintage @zingaravintage
Starring / Jesse James @skelly_sister and Farmata Dia @farmy_
Photo assist, Marlow Wood
Jesse James is a Rockaway-based stylist and surfer who runs Shred Thread, a project that reimagines cross-stitching through a non-traditional approach. Farmata Dia is a competitive surfer, model, and activist from Rockaway Beach, NY, known for her work in promoting surfing and wellness within the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community. She is a former mentee of the Laru Beya Collective, a non-profit that empowers youth through surfing, and has since become a mentor herself. She is also a model and has collaborated with brands like Ricki Beach Club.
Farmy Dia to Jesse James:
“What first drew you to surfing in Rockaway, and what’s kept you coming back?” When I first moved to Brooklyn, I felt a deep homesickness for the ocean- A feeling that never really left me after growing up on a tiny island, where surfing, fishing, and being on the water were part of everyday life. After Sandy, I started doing relief work in Rockaway and soon discovered that surfing was just a subway ride away. I began taking the train with my board, often chasing waves alone in less-than-ideal conditions, but eventually I found myself part of the growing community- people to plan hurricane swells with, people who had cars, people just a little too salty for pure city life.
JJ to FD:
“What challenges do you think women surfers still face in the lineup, even in a community as tight-knit as Rockaway?”
The tides have changed. The story of women’s surfing is advancing faster than we can keep up. But there are still many struggles we face from a lack of communal spaces and events, to agro men in the water who treat us like we’re beneath them. Since starting Salty Sisters with my best friend, Autumn Kitchens, we’ve heard from so many women in our community how isolated they feel. Everyone is looking to make genuine connections and relationships with other women in the water, but doesn’t know how. A few have had uncomfortable experiences with other people, which kept them away from the water. Collectives all over the world, like Laru Beya, Textured Waves, GRLSWRL, and INTRSXT SURF, have helped to create safe spaces and share resources with women in the local communities.
FD to JJ:
“How would you describe the energy or vibe in the Rockaway surf community, especially among women?”
I’ve surfed around the world and spent years on the west coast, but there’s something about the vibe in Rockaway that feels so fun, light, and playful. Maybe it’s because the waves are fickle- it keeps things from getting too serious. There will always be the occasional fight, or a bit of territorial tension, but for the most part, people are just out there laughing, messing around, and genuinely having the best time. It’s why we love surfing. I often look around and notice that the majority of the line up is women, a sight that brings me so much joy, especially since I grew up as one of only two girls out in the water. I think there’s more diversity in the lineup here than anywhere else in the world. You see people from every background and every walk of life- it’s what’s so beautiful about New York City. We’re all just out here sharing waves, and it makes the whole experience feel brighter, and more human.
JJ to FD:
“Who or what has inspired you most in your surfing journey — locally or beyond?”
Laru Beya Collective has had the largest impact on me throughout my surfing journey. A 501C-3 Nonprofit that empowers the youth of NYC through surfing. When I first started, they gave me the space, resources, and support to have fun and fall in love with the sport. As my love for surfing grew and it shifted from just a hobby to a potential lifestyle. Laru Beya provided me with mentors who taught me about different industries. I was able to pursue a life as a soul surfer. To this day, any projects I have, trips planned, help needed, they’re always the first to support me. They saw potential in me that I never knew I had, and they are the reason I’m able to dream with no restraints.
FD to JJ:
How have you seen the surf scene here change over the years — for better or for worse?
I’ve definitely seen the surf scene here evolve over the years- not just culturally, but physically, with the shifting jetties and changing shoreline. When I first started surfing here there were only a couple spots to surf. In some ways, that made it easy to gather and build community. Like everyone was either in the 60’s or at 90th. Now with so many jetties stretching up and down the beach, everything feels more spread out- and even though it feels like there are way more people in the water, it feels less congested.
JJ to FD:
If you could describe Rockaway Beach in three words, what would they be and why?
Resilient, Connected, and Gem. Resilient for all that we constantly fight against. Lack of affordable medical assistance and health care. Tough weather conditions that continue to slowly destroy our beachfronts and homes. Being so close yet so far to one of the biggest cities in the world. But no matter how many times our streets are flooded, our hospitals burn down, and our grocery stores raise their prices, we continue to keep our heads held high and persevere through all the challenges. Connected because on our little island, everyone knows everyone. There are so many organisations and collectives here to support our local communities. So many intersections we may or may not be aware of. Gem because there is no other place in the world that can compare to our small town in Far Rockaway, NY.
FD to JJ:
Are there any ways styling and surfing intersect in your life?
my interest in style has always come from a cultural fascination rather than the high end fashion world. My first conscious style choices were shaped by my obsession with surf and skate culture- wearing Roxy boardshorts and my brother’s hand-me-down skate tees. That influence still drives me today. I’ve always been drawn to clothing with a sense of utility and cultural meaning.
JJ to FD:
You are such an inspiration and have empowered so many in your hometown, at your home break.
What are your plans and goals in the next few years for Salty Sisters and Laru Beya?
Over the next few years I’m hoping to start putting more energy into growing and sustaining salty sisters and Laru Beya collective. I’m looking forward to starting the salty sisters podcast with Autumn. As well as supporting our mentee in training in Labella through their transition into mentors.
