Watch Jordan Rose Catch His First Wave With Help From Surf Pro Julian Williams and Lexus

Complex's Jordan Rose has reported on location everywhere from the mosh pits to fashion week. Recently, he ventured farther afield than ever before, linking with pro surfer Julian Williams for a lesson in catching waves. Together, the duo hopped in their Lexus GX 550, then hit the beach for an early morning session that began with Williams helping Rose figure out if he was regular or goofy and ended with the Complex host standing up on a surfboard for the first time ever.

After the waveriding, Rose and Willams sat down for a conversation on the power of surfing and the importance of representation. Their chat ranged from African-American-Hawaiian surf legend and mentor, Buttons Kaluhiokalani, to A Great Day in Stoke (AGDITS), which is the world’s largest gathering of Black surfers from across the African diaspora. Every year, A Great Day in Stoke convenes to offer free lessons, celebrate pioneers, and create a space for Black surfers to connect and compete in surf competitions.

“Surfing is about more than just riding waves—it's about community,” Williams says. “Growing up as a Black Hawaiian surfer, I've seen firsthand how important it is to create pathways for people who might not see themselves represented in this sport. What Lexus is doing through initiatives like A Great Day in the Stoke is essential to help expand the definition of what surf culture can be.”

The next AGDITS will take place September 27. If you’re near the Los Angeles-Huntington Beach area, come through to see how Lexus is supporting Black surfers and their stories.