In Bamb’amaza – Lessons from the Water, Patagonia follows 12-year-old Othandwayo as she discovers surfing. Growing up in Imizamo Yethu, a township in Hout Bay, South Africa, she finds more than waves in the ocean: a sense of strength, perseverance and belonging.
Learning to move with the ocean
Water had always been part of Othandwayo’s everyday life. Surfing helped her see it differently. The ocean cannot be controlled; you have to learn to read it, move with it and try again.
“You can’t control the ocean. You have to learn to move with it. Every wave teaches me something. It teaches me to keep trying.”
— Othandwayo
That idea runs through the film. Surfing becomes a way to build confidence, meet challenges and discover the people who make you feel at home.
Finding a place in the ocean
Othandwayo was introduced to surfing through Sentinel Ocean Alliance, a Hout Bay organisation that gives young people from coastal communities access to ocean-based activities and education in safe, inclusive spaces. Its programmes help young people build confidence in the water, support their wellbeing and develop a lasting connection with the ocean.
Frank Solomon, Patagonia surf ambassador and founder of Sentinel Ocean Alliance, started the organisation to help the next generation in South Africa access the opportunities he had growing up. Founded in 2018, the organisation now has 25 coaches and staff and runs weekly programmes for hundreds of children.
Explore the organisation’s work and programmes at sentineloceanalliance.org.
Watch the film above and see how the ocean can help a new generation find connection, confidence and a sense of belonging. Credits: Arthur Neumeier.