Raised in East Los Angeles, Latina surfer Giselle Carrillo was always curious about the ocean, but it wasn't until her mid-twenties—when she finally found the right community and support—that she caught her first wave.
Today, Giselle is introducing people of color to the ocean and outdoors for free through her organization, Los Courage Camps.
Overcoming Fear and Finding Purpose
At age 25, Carrillo made a conscious decision to push beyond her comfort zone and confront long-held fears. Although she didn't know how to swim, her determination quickly grew into a lifelong passion for encouraging people of color to experience the ocean and the outdoors.
"I don’t think that people realize that nature and camping and sticking yourself in the middle of nowhere is some of the most incredible fuel for doing really incredible things,” she says.
The Ocean as a Healing Classroom
During her five years teaching in inner-city Los Angeles, Carrillo identified a critical need for mental wellness resources among youth and communities of color. She realized that spending time outdoors—disconnecting from daily stressors and immersing oneself in nature—offers profound healing and mental clarity.
Recognizing the ocean's potential as an educational and therapeutic sanctuary, Carrillo partnered with a friend to begin taking inner-city residents to the shore.
- Grassroots Expansion: What started with just two participants blossomed into a thriving community program.
- Free Ocean Access: The initiative provides free surfing lessons, gear, and exposure to individuals who have never set foot on a beach or touched a wave.
- Building Community: Sessions culminate in shared meals, story-swapping, and reflecting on the triumphs and wipeouts of the day.
Belonging, Freedom, and Road Trips
Carrillo also highlights the significance of RV travel on the open road. Utilizing an RV makes travel and outdoor exploration accessible, providing a portable home base that allows diverse groups to travel, bond, and experience moments of joy and freedom without barriers.
“I think that’s the part that really tempts me about this RV life—how accessible it is to just hit the road and have those moments of joy and freedom whenever you want,” says Giselle.
For Carrillo, the ultimate goal goes beyond teaching others how to surf. It's about introducing people of color to nature and supporting the next generation as they embrace the great outdoors.
