No Wahala

No Wahala translates to “no problem” in Hausa, the native language of millions of Nigerians. It is a phrase that carries a sense of reassurance, optimism, and quiet resilience.

While travelling to Lagos, Nigeria, I joined professional surfers Dane Gudauskas and Dylan Graves as part of Vans’ Weird Waves series. It was there, at Tarkwa Bay, we encountered a community whose bond with the ocean is both profound and inspiring.

Tarkwa Bay sits on a powerful right-hand wedge and is home to a vibrant youth population. For the children and teenagers who live there, the sea is far more than a backdrop, it is a source of joy, freedom, and identity. With limited resources, they share the few surfboards left behind by visiting surfers, or simply immerse themselves in the water. Their happiness, born from this connection with the ocean, is both humbling and remarkable.

From this passion has grown an ambition, young surfers from Tarkwa Bay now dream of representing Nigeria on the international stage, including at future ISA World Surfing Games.
No Wahala is a record of this connection, of the spirit, determination, and hope of the boys of Tarkwa Bay.

All profits from No Wahala will be directed towards supporting the Tarkwa Bay community and the nonprofit foundation Positive Vibe Warriors. To learn more about the foundation and its work, please visit positivevibewarriors.com