The Gotham Collective

I joined Gotham a few years ago, and it completely changed my life. I had never surfed before, but was immediately drawn to the sport. I loved the feeling of being out in the ocean, the challenge of catching a wave, and the sense of peace that I felt when I was surfing.  What I didn’t expect was how much the community would change my life. I met so many amazing people, and I quickly felt like I belonged. We supported each other through the highs and lows, and we learned from each other. We also traveled together, and I got to see some amazing places.

Surfing has taught me so much about myself. I’ve learned to be more patient, more persistent, and more grateful. I’ve also learned to let go of my fears and to trust in myself.

“I’m so grateful to be here, it has changed my life in so many ways.”

I’m about to leave New York but part of my heart will stay here forever. You’ve made my 3 months here incredible and unforgettable. You’ve welcomed me like a member of the community and we’ve shared so many moments, surfing, skating, chilling, eating, watching sunrise and sunset, looking for sharks…

I’m so grateful to have met you here. Without you, life in New York would never have been the same and would never have been so extraordinary.
Let’s keep in touch and find ways to see each other in other parts of the world! (Cape Town?…)

Je vous aime fort ♥️

Paddling out for the first time in New York City years ago there was a profound sense of vastness to the lineup.  In a city where we all keep to ourselves and mind our own business, I was looking for something that would make me feel like I belonged. Gotham has quickly formed into the type of family that I’ve always wanted centered around surfing. Accepting, kind, and encouraging is how I would describe them. I feel so privileged to be with other people who also prioritize the shared joy of a paddle out and the electric stoke of that first wave.

We are all chasing that sense of belonging and finding it in one another.