Fostering community, opportunity, and education via the medium of surf photography.

Based in Rockaway Beach, New York

THE EXPERIENCE

Public Exhibition Rockaway Beach

Gallery Exhibition NYC

Traveling Global Exhibition

Book, Prints, Merchandise

Events

50% Net proceeds return to the local community


THE METHOD

All 35mm B&W film, all manual, all mechanical, all water, all seasons.

Designed to mirror the unpredictable, physical nature of NYC surfing and the dedication it requires

MISSION STATEMENT

My first impression of Rockaway, New York surfing was through the California lens of performance and image. Initially unenthused by its chaotic, unstructured nature and often mediocre waves, it took time to see the deeper beauty; a beautiful cross-section of diverse backgrounds, expressions, and perspectives leaving the divisive weight of judgement, competition, and otherness onshore with the harsh city to harmonize with the ocean - and each other.

Through the long subway rides, concrete sprawl, greasy water, and colliding boards were smiles and positivity, regardless of background, expression, or ability. The ocean is indifferent to your status, how much you possess, how you look, or your skill; it simply recognizes how you flow and become a part of it - losing and gaining yourself in the process.

Witnessing a larger metaphor of society in unison, I decided to step out of an unfulfilling corporate system and harness its skills to create a project that benefits and involves the community, rather than taking from it. Thus  'Across the Board' was born.  

  • THE EXHIBITION

    Rockaway and global exhibitions showcasing the diverse Rockaway surf experience

    • Public art exhibition at Rockaway Beach, NY

    • Gallery Exhibition NYC

    • Traveling global exhibition

    • Fundraising events for local community organizations

    Purchase

  • THE BOOK

    Celebrate the spirit of Rockaway Beach with a premium hardcover photo book featuring 36 images for 36 frames of film.

    • Signed copies available at exhibitions & local shop partners.

    • Available online

    • 50% of net proceeds benefit local community organizations

    Purchase

  • THE PRINTS

    Limited-edition & signed museum-quality prints

    • Pre-release available now to support the project

    • Available at exhibitions & online

    • Custom, large scale prints on request (Hotels, Lobbies, etc)

    • 50% of net proceeds benefit local community organizations

    Purchase

  • THE MERCHANDISE

    Limited-edition collectibles showcasing the project’s imagery

    • Wearable art to use or display

    • Collabs with local community artists

    • 50% of net proceeds benefit local community organizations


    Purchase
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The Future

  • Create industry and opportunities within and for the local communities

  • Establish presence in California, South Africa, Australia, Bali, and beyond to provide coaching, mentoring, and resources to community surf programs

  • Guest Pro Surfer coaching sessions

  • Mentor & sponsor select local community surfers to compete in QSL, WSL, etc

  • Mentoring programs for surfing, photography, the arts, coding, AI

  • Scholarship programs

  • Introduce surfing to new communities, locations, and markets

About Paul

Paul is a photographer and filmmaker based in New York and working globally. His career comfortably spans from high-end fashion to social documentary, and has notably been exhibited at MassMOCA and featured in prominent publications such as Elle, GQ, Conde Nast Traveler, and InStyle. His lens has also graced brands like Cartier, Elizabeth Arden, Victoria’s Secret, and Quiksilver. He was also instrumental in pioneering the photo & marketing departments of New York’s own Rebag and continues to incubate  brands through his consulting studio StudioPDL.

Paul is passionate about using his beautiful and thought-provoking imagery to tell stories and connect with people. He believes that photography can be a powerful tool for social change, and is committed to using his voice and talents to raise awareness of important issues.

He has also worked at the top end of the surf industry alongside legendary surf filmmakers, pro surfers, magazines, and brands like Surfer, Surfing, Taylor Steele/Sipping Jetstreams, Stance, and Roxy. He is a lifelong surfer and has a passion for all things ocean.

@paul_deluna
www.pauldeluna.com