The Sun and the Moon and the Stars

Farmata Dia, raised by Senegalese immigrant parents in Far Rockaway, New York, discovered her passion for surfing and mentoring through The Laru Beya Collective in 2016. Committed to empowering young women of color, she advocates for women’s rights, environmental justice, and community upliftment. As a mentor and model, she is breaking barriers and redefining representation in surfing, modeling, and skating.

“Really immerse yourself in the community. These days, it’s all about who you know more than what you know. It only takes one person to change your life or jump-start your career.”

— Farmata

Farmy and Rockaway are synonymous. She is as much a fixture in this intimate hamlet by the sea as dolphins, jetties, and surfboards. I’ve known her almost as long as I’ve been in Rockaway but honestly can’t remember what it was like not to know her. And as cliché as it is, to know Farmy is to love her. She’s fun, fearless, honest, quirky, and cool. Our friendship blooms in a constant drift of creative and personal growth. Farmy and I work together often, shooting surf, a film (still in the works), and numerous Laru Beya events. Always up for anything, she excitedly agreed to model for this surf culture meets fashion photo shoot in a unique to us beach location. We used my beloved Dry Robe changing robe as a dressing room and shot three different looks thrifted and styled by me. We started our shoot with a blood red Xscape cocktail dress, next a Shein satin baby blue cocktail dress, and wrapped up the late afternoon with a black Bebe blazer, Uniqlo dress pants, a black tie borrowed from my husband’s wardrobe, and a Fahizo silk bow tie. The last part of the shoot I added a little body glitter to play off the light from the sun and the moon, both competing as our backdrop, while Farmy stood tall among the dunes and butterflies danced around us.

*No dunes were touched as we only used established beach paths for our entire shoot.

You’ve been enjoying great success with your modeling career, shooting with cool brands and publications like Teva, Finisterre, Heroine Mag, and Teen Vogue. I’m always hyped when I see your photo pop up on brand pages. I’m wondering if you have a shoot that really stands out in your mind as momentous?  

“ To be wild is to be yourself. ”

— Farmata

FD: My favorite shoot to date would probably be the campaign trip with Seea. We traveled to what felt like paradise and surfed some of the longest waves I’ve ever experienced—waves that made my legs burn, gave me time to think, and let me create incredible memories with beautiful people. While the surfing was incredible, it was the group I traveled with that made the trip so special.  

My dream of surfing with one of my idols, Leah Dawson, came true. Leah truly embodies the art of surfing. The media crew was full of talented creatives who made shooting effortless, and the Seea team was inspirational with their hard work and dedication. Jo and Annabelle, the other winners, were so cool. Hearing their stories and realizing how we all ended up in the same place was such a unique experience.  

Any advice for someone interested in modeling?  

FD: My advice would be to start by building a portfolio. The first step is getting your digitals done. From there, connect with small photographers, stylists, and other models—really immerse yourself in the community. These days, it’s all about who you know more than what you know. It only takes one person to change your life or jump-start your career. Attend events, make sure people see your face, and post often on social media. Share fun things about yourself—it doesn’t have to be just photos. Videos showcasing your personality, adventures, or interests can go a long way.  

Farmy models a Doyle Surfboard

What are some of your favorite brands you’ve worked with?  

FD: Some of my favorite brands are Finisterre, Seea, Ricki Beach Club, Vans, Fat Tire, and Kings Glassing. I’ve been so fortunate to travel the world with them—it’s honestly hard to keep up sometimes! Going to Europe for the first time with Finisterre is one of my top three trips. Their focus on sustainability and ethical practices resonates deeply with me. I like to joke that they’re what Patagonia wishes it could be! Creating my own sustainable swimwear collection with Ricki Beach Club was another highlight. The process was so smooth, and using my community and personal experiences as inspiration for the designs felt like a dream come true. Fat Tire is such a fun brand! Every adventure I’ve shared with them has been a delight. I even got to shape my first surfboard with Kings Glassing, which was a surreal moment. That experience was especially meaningful because we raffled off some boards to support a Laru Beya fundraiser.  

“The more we invest in our community, the better our quality of life. ”

— Farmata

What’s a brand you’d like to work with but haven’t yet?  

FD: I’d love to branch out and collaborate with brands beyond the surf world. Red Bull or Monster, for example, do such cool things with their crews and events. Also, I’ve been fascinated by wave pools lately! I’d love to work with a wave pool brand or become an ambassador for one—it’s such a unique and fun experience that not many people get to have. Another dream is to find the intersection between high fashion and surf culture. I’d love to explore collaborations involving clothing, accessories, and shoes that merge those two worlds.  

We’ve talked many times about your complicated relationship with Rockaway. I think everyone has some sort of challenge with home. Growing up, you hated it and felt like there was nothing to do. The ocean and surfing changed all that. Where are you now in your ever-evolving relationship with this place?  

FD: Right now, I feel at peace with Rockaway. This community has done so much to shape who I am today. I’ve created so many beautiful memories here that I’ll cherish forever. That said, growing up here my entire life, I’m starting to feel the routine of it—the same faces, the same surf breaks, the same travel patterns. It’s starting to feel stagnant. I’ve been saying this for years, but I really want to move to California. That’s my goal after I finish school. I feel like once I’ve wrapped up what I need to do here, I’ll be ready for new waves, new faces, and a different flow of life.  

“No matter how hard life feels, everything will be okay. The highs and lows allow us to appreciate both sides of life.  ”

— Farmata

Congratulations on going back to school! Where and what are you studying? And what made you decide to take that huge leap and return?  

FD: I’m studying Professional Communication at Brooklyn College. The past few years have given me so much clarity about my purpose in life and how I want to impact the world. Speaking on panels and becoming a voice in my community inspired me to go back to school. Being surrounded by so many intelligent people can sometimes feel overwhelming—I often feel like I don’t know enough. Going back to school is partly for me, to prove that I can do it. It’s a personal challenge that will also help me grow and add value to my work.  

What’s your plan for after graduation?  

FD: While I’m in school, my plan is to save as much money as I can and prepare to move to California. Once I graduate, I’m hoping to make the move within a few months. I recently started a new job with the Justice Center, and I was excited to learn that they have locations in California where I could potentially transfer. Surfing brings me joy, but building community and making a direct impact is what keeps me going. My long-term goal is to open my own nonprofit. I’ll continue working toward that dream while growing my community and honing my surfing skills in California.  

What are you reading right now?  

FD: I just finished Where the Crawdads Sing, The Love Hypothesis, and If Beale Street Could Talk. Each of these books resonated with me in different ways. Crawdads reminded me of my upbringing and childhood mentality. The Love Hypothesis was a light, fun read that took me back to my Wattpad days, staying up until 1 a.m. crying over fanfiction. I’ve been intentional about finding books that help me learn about myself and explore the world through different perspectives.  

Farmata models an Almond Surfboard

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?  

FD: I’m a total weirdo, haha. I’m much more awkward than people expect when I meet them—I tend to overthink everything. I also love anime! I grew up watching it and still do. Oh, and I’m a Leo. One of my favorite animals? A worm.  

Over a great conversation about a recent trip to Idaho, we shared laughs about stretching creative and personal boundaries. Can you tell us about that trip?  

FD: My trip to Idaho felt like a dream. The warm sun on my face while looking at snow-covered mountaintops—it was surreal. Hanging with Terumi and Autumn in the middle of nowhere felt magical. We recreated beautiful photos of past Olympians but with a cultural twist. The outfits, makeup, and storyline were all out of this world.  

What does *Wild* mean to you?  

FD: To be wild is to be yourself. For me, the hardest part of my journey has been loving every part of who I am—the good, the bad, and the messy. I think once you reach that point of self-acceptance, you can truly live life to the fullest. I feel my most wild when I’m with my friends, doing crazy dances and making random noises.  

What are two or three things you know for sure?  

FD:  

1. One thing I know for sure is that I don’t know anything! There’s always something new to learn and a fresh perspective to consider.  

2. No matter how hard life feels, everything will be okay. The highs and lows allow us to appreciate both sides of life.  

3. The more we invest in our community, the better our quality of life. Being with Laru Beya for the past seven years has taught me that the grass really is greener where you water it. Share resources, show up for one another, and create spaces that uplift everyone. 

Life Is Good

Jamie Song

Age 33

Fitness Trainer, Surfer

New York

If I remember right, you’ve talked about starting to surf, leaving it, and then starting again years later. Can you give some details on that?

In 2017 I took a few lessons in Rockaway. Had a lot of fun but back then I was working anywhere from 50-90hrs a week as a tax accountant and didn’t have time or mental capacity to commit to surfing. In 2018 I took a 4-weeks vacation in Hawaii, where living felt so good. I was so taken by surfing and hiking and just being surrounded by loving nature, I decided to quit my job, ha! Fast forward to 2021, with a lot more time and flexibility on my hand as a personal trainer, I picked up surfing again in Rockaway. After a few lessons with Chris (@surfwithchris), I was hooked this time, thoroughly.  

Surfing is not easy. It’s intimidating for a lot of people. You share inspiration and photos/videos via Instagram often where you talk about not having the perfect surf day. Yet every surf post is so positive: “One surf session stronger!” What encourages you to keep going as you’re learning?

It really is so hard!! isn’t it? Haha. My experienced surfer friends tell me that surfing becomes more and more fun, the better you get. So… if I’m already having this much fun, how exciting is it that it’s only going to get better? That’s what makes me go surfing whether it’s a scary big waves day or a flat day that doesn’t seem worth the trip. The more I wipe out, fight relentless currents, paddle hard only to miss waves after waves, tumble under the water for what feels like 15 seconds when it was probably like 3 seconds, the better surfer I become. And the better surfer I become, the more fun I’ll have :) 

Jamie riding the waves in Rockaway Beach, New York

What advice would you give to someone considering surf lessons?

Do it already! If you’re on the fence, sign up with your friends, so even if you end up hating surfing (which I doubt), you’ll have made it a fun beach day :)  I enjoyed taking my first few lessons with the same teacher @surfwithchris and then surfing as often as possible with my friend Offer so they could see my progress, explain to me how each session’s going to feel different depending on the surf condition of that day, and they’d know how much to push me out of my comfort zone as I progress. Also take at least 3-4 lessons before you decide whether surfing is for you or not! Surf conditions change so dramatically each day (and sometimes within hours), so your first lesson could be ‘meh’ but the next lesson could be amazing!

How has surfing changed you? What does surfing add to your life? Can you put into words the feeling you have out in the water, riding a wave?

It sounds funny/cheesy, but I adore the person I become when I’m surfing. Giddy the night before surfing. Giving big hugs and smiles to everyone I remotely know at the beach. Cracking up at everything and nothing. Amused by the ever-changing shapes of clouds, the cutest Piping Plover chicks running down the beach, the sands under my nails. It’s like regaining the long-lost curiosity/sensitivity of a happy child. My life seems ever so full and new and colorful since I started surfing. When I’m having a bad day I go surf. When I’m having a great day I go surf. The ocean never fails to remind me everything is temporary, bad or good. It puts me back into the current moment, to just be, and be okay. Riding a wave, still to me as a beginner, feels like “Is this really happening??” haha. It’s magical. 

As a fitness trainer, you know the importance of being physically and mentally fit. How does that figure into your workout routine and daily lifestyle?

Honestly it hasn’t been easy, introducing surfing into my routine. Surfing 1-3x/week, lifting 2-3x/week, and training clients all over lower Manhattan, it’s definitely physically taxing to my body. But I wouldn’t want it any other way. Surfing is a great cardio and upper body training, lifting is the best physical activity you can do for your overall health, and training clients is a rewarding job I’m lucky to have. All three nourish me physically and mentally.

What board are you riding? 

I just bought a 7’8” Torq board. I’ve moved from a 9’ foamie to an 8’4” NSP hardtop to a 7’6” board I got off Craigslist, which I realized was too difficult for me. I wasn’t catching as many waves on that board.  So I got a 7’8” Torq with a ton more volume. I’m having a lot of fun on this one.  

What’s an interesting fact about you that would surprise most people?

I had scoliosis surgery when I was 13 and my spine is fused with 14 long surgical pins and rods. I can’t curl or twist my spine. Who knew I’d become a personal trainer in my 30s with this robot back! Oh and I can lift 415lbs with my butt! 

Jamie, what are 2 or 3 things you know for sure?

One thing I’ve learned at this point in my life is to be at ease with the turbulence and uncertainties that either I’m going through or are imminent. When I was younger, I let myself get anxious, worry, and suffer from the “what ifs”, but now I’ve learned to be okay in the middle of turbulence. Kind of like on my surfboard on a choppy but still beautiful day out in the water. 

Everything is temporary - what seems grand and what seems awful, the aching wants and pressing needs. Things that used to matter a lot to my younger-self don’t carry much weight anymore. And then there are things that bring immeasurable happiness to me now that I never knew was possible. Being as fully present as possible, experiencing and riding it out until it lasts, and then being at ease with the next changes is what I’m trying to practice. 

Life is so good! Surfing makes it even better! I love it so much!

Enjoy The Ride

Terra Layne

Age 29

Actor, Model, Surfer

Rockaway Beach, NYC

How did you get into surfing?

I’m big into adventure sports although surfing was always very intimidating to me. I’d tried it out a couple times but it wasn’t till I moved to NYC that I found myself craving mother nature and her unpredictable thrill. Believe it or not I “caught the bug” in February of all months - when a friend started inviting me to tag along his surf-escapades to Rockaway and Montauk, I took the opportunity. I was unemployed and needed a release. Surfing was the best way to take my mind off of everything that worried me, it forced me to focus on one thing and one thing only. Even on the days I caught not a single wave, I was out enjoying nature, and only 40 minutes from my home in BK. 

We’re definitely seeing more female surfers in the lineup these days. What would you say to encourage more women who are considering learning how to surf? 

Don’t be intimidated by anyone. Those that are trying to intimidate you are doing so on purpose, it’s selfish and are choosing to uphold the privilege and patriarchy they were born with. With that said, it’s a dangerous sport even if you know what you’re doing, definitely learn the etiquette before heading out - Youtube will do a better job at explaining this than anyone on the beach. Don’t be shy when you’re out there, the more open you are about your experience the more likely you’ll meet people who are willing to support you. You got this!

What is the dynamic in the water for female surfers?

It’s a total contradiction to my morality. Let me explain. You know that feeling you get when you walk into a room that you’re not supposed to be in and everyone turns to look at you, it’s a little like that. Paddling out on big days I’m often the only female surfer out there at my local jetty. It sucks feeling like I have to prove myself, but once I do, I’m the anomaly, I’m celebrated. This is where I morally suffer, women doing what men do on a surfboard shouldn’t be a rarity. Times are a changing. 

Terra and roommate Tori surfing in New York winter.

Do you prefer surfing solo or with a friend(s)?

Depends on the day. No matter what, having a friend out there is always a positive thing, especially my ladies. Nothing brings me a greater sense of exuberance than women cheering for other women.

Are most of your friends surfers? What do you value most about the surf community? (locally & as a whole) 

In Rockaway, yes, but not exclusively. I’ve got groups of friends that live elsewhere who are by no means surfers, I love them too. I suppose I’m drawn to friendships that also entail surfing out here in Rockaway because like all relationships, we yearn for connection. Surfing is a beautiful way of connecting with nature, together, and apart. There’s a level of appreciation for the environment of the ocean. Anyone who’s out there surfing finds it. And the second you forget it, you’re in big trouble.  

Surfing and Travel tend to go hand in hand. Where are the places you’ve surfed?

I started really surfing in the winter of 2019, ie: a year before the pandemic. I’ve surfed along the coast of Cali, the BVI’s. I did some minimal surfing in Puerto Rico, Australia, Bali, and Sri Lanka but that was before I had any clue what I was doing. I haven’t got a ton of surf excursions under my belt, but I’ve got time :) 

Surfers usually have an ever growing collection of boards. Do you have a collection? What’s your favorite surfboard that you own? And why is it your favorite?

Yes, my roommate Tori and I have a gorgeous collection of boards, and yes, they are organized by height in our garage. I’m going to sound crazy saying this but my favorite board is one that I’ve yet to surf! For the last year I’ve been loving my 8’2 Ricky Carroll, which is like a sporty longboard. Though one board has always had my heart and it’s Channel Islands, Al Merrick, Water Hog. I’ve been looking for this board, used (I’m a starving artist), for 3 years. I finally bought a 7’6 off craigslist a week ago; I nearly cried with excitement. Maneuverability, I’ve woven through summer crowds on a weekend, that level of confidence and comfortability is worth all the tea in China. 

How has surfing changed you? What does surfing add to your life?

It’s given me the balance I need to survive NYC. I’m not cut out for strictly city life, I admire those who can do it but ultimately, space and silence are necessities for my mental health. Surfing has brought me community but within that, it’s also brought me confidence and structure. The effort put into waking up early, making time to practice self care, being present in the moment, the challenges, the failures, there are so many good habits surfing has given back to me. 

Can you put into words the feeling you have out in the water, riding a wave?

You’re synchronizing with a motion that’s traveled thousands of miles, and that energy, that force - you’re riding on top of it, you can feel it beneath you. And then it’s gone! It’s mother nature's magic show. 

What’s an interesting fact about you that would surprise most people?

In 2017 I set out by myself and hiked the South Island of New Zealand, 900 miles top to bottom. Hiking poles look stupid but are life saving - literally. 

Terra, what are 2 or 3 things you know for sure?

Intelligence is subjective, animals are intelligent, eating animals is ethically wrong. Not exclusively, but if you have the privilege to question it, it definitely is.  

Small movements are the start of anything big. 

In the grand scheme of things we are all specks of dust, be kind and enjoy the ride.