Native Like Water (NLW) curates experiences through an Indigenous lens. Below you will see Open to Public Adult Programs AND specific Indigenous Teenage/Young Adult Programs focused on conserving the natural environment, cultural practice, travel, surf, music and food as medicine.
click here to watch the film trailer
Haagua , an Indigenous Surf Film by Native Like Water. See the Official Trailer out now on YouTube. Community Impact Tour 2026 now booking. This is a story about a re-introduction of the Indigenous species back into the ecosystem and re-cognition of humanity. Allowed the space to not just survive, but to thrive, INDIGENOUS Life reflects nature's law and rebounds. A new wave, movement, local Indigenous surfers to coastal recreation, flow and movement. See the Trailer Here. Now scheduling for 2026 Haagua Film and Panel presentations.
Surf Therapy DAY PROGRAMS ongoing during WINTER/Spring 2026 OPEN TO PUBLIC. Adult Team Building, Culture, Training, Surf Therapy. FOR ORGANIZATIONS, SCHOOLS, CORPORATE, ETC. Open access to all. Highly effective in therapeutic recovery from depression, PTSD, and relief from trauma. Surf Therapy and its application demonstrates data-supported results world-wide. We use modern present day Indigenous cultural paddle tools originating in Hawaii. Group ocean play, safety, cultural practice, surf therapy. Learn more
So cal along the San Diego / Kumeyaay Coast
June Fathers Day and December Xmas and Powwow by the Sea, Imperial Beach, CA Join One World Bridge, Native Like Water and the Native Community of San Diego and beyond at our yearly powwow to experience celebration of dance, culture and the spirit of giving. One of the only powwows on the beach in Southern California, the drum and songs always call the dolphins near and attracts vendors and dancers from near and far. Located at the base of the Imperial Beach Pier Park.
Baja Kumiai, Rosorito, Ensenada Surf Camp and Cultural Exchange. The Kumeyaay People and homeland exists on two sides of the U.S. / Mexican Boarder. NLW takes time to gather with teenage youth of the Baja, Mexico Kumiai Coastal side and offer volunteer opportunity to our NLW Alum from the U.S. side to assist in the healing of this longstanding binational relationship, before there was a border. Click here.
2023 with Na Kama Kai at the Buffalo Classic
Shuluuk Leo (Viejas) flying down the line along the Kumeyaay coast of La Jolla, CA
a greater force of nature. Below the Surface
NLW Fellowship Scuba Certification and Indigenous Knowledge (closed group registration). Like the birds, Southern California Tribes share a maritime and island story. Tongva/ Puyumkowitchum/ Chumash/ Acjachemen and Kumeyaay stories to further our knowledge of the So Cal Maritime Culture. As ocean levels have risen before, much is to be learned from studying ancient village sites under the sea and on islands. Establish diving skills and actively collect data deep in the kelp forest habitat. Selection is based off registration/interview form. Program is now full. Please read more here . . .
News and Media Features!
WATCH VIDEO: WSL Production
2023 Nor Cal Canoe Journey Program Alcatraz Indigenous People’s Day inspired a celebration beyond the 50th Anniversary of Alcatraz Indian Occupation. SF/Oakland Bay youth and families gather cradled in a canoe directed with unity and teamwork. In un-steady times, finding balance and navigating ones health is vital. Read More . .
Love Your Wetlands, Mission Bay, CA: Native Like Water joins UC Natural Reserve System and the San Diego Audubon Society and many more for Love Your Wetlands at the Kendall Frost Marsh. Explore the Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve in Mission Bay, while also learning how local communities are working to restore and protect them.
watch Video
Watch NLW short film Produced by actress Zoe Saldana’s media platform BESE with the mission to broaden and reshape the cultural narrative by shining light on untold stories that reflect today’s America.
Surfer’s Final Edition goes out with equality
Surfer Magazine Feature: Whose Coast are you Surfing in San Diego? A LOOK AT THE INDIGENOUS HISTORY OF ONE OF CALIFORNIA'S MOST ICONIC SURF ZONES. “San Diego’s Kumeyaay didn’t just see the ocean as a food source. According to oral histories passed down through the tribe, all life rose from the ocean. Kumeyaay creation story centers around two brothers who lived beneath the waves.” Read the full article. . .
NBC NEWS : Surfing confronts sport's racist past after George Floyd's death Native Like Water, Surfers demonstrate Unity in supporting BLM, injustice, and Black Girls Surf initiated Ceremonia Paddle-Out. Matlahuyl / La Jolla Shores Solidarity Paddle. “behind the aloha vibe was the other vibe — a locals-only, whites-only vibe,” Click to read full coverage . .
InterTribal Youth Joins Hokulea World-Wide Voyage Homecoming and Presents at World Youth Congress, Oahu Youth from Agua Caliente Cahuilla, various Bands of the Kumeyaay Nation, Alaska, and Belize joined by Tribal Elder and Leaders present at world gathering in celebration of the greatest example of indigenous education and global unification, caring for Mother Earth - "Malama Honua".
