Five-Time A Great Day in the Stoke Champion Becomes First Black Hawaiian Surfer to
Earn Wildcard into WSL Challenger Series.
Tune in live at WWW.USOpenofSurfing.com
WHAT:
Trailblazing Hawaiian surfer Julian Williams — a five-time A Great Day in the Stoke champion in both shortboard and longboard — will make his WSL Challenger Series debut at the 2025 LEXUS US Open of Surfing presented by Pacifico on Tuesday, July 30 in Huntington Beach. Williams is the first Black and Native Hawaiian surfer to earn a wildcard entry into the Challenger Series (shortboard), and the first-ever wildcard selected from A Great Day in the Stoke (AGDITS) – a first-of-its-kind competition and cultural surf festival that celebrates Black surf culture, amplifies Black surf talent from around the world, and builds an inclusive future in the water.
WHEN:
Thursday, July 31, 2025
Competition is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. For the most updated info on how to watch LIVE, visit WorldSurfLeague.com. Video & image assets available after the event in the Media Hub.
WHY IT MATTERS:
Williams’ debut marks a historic moment for professional surfing, where Black surfers remain vastly underrepresented at the highest levels. Raised on the North Shore of Oʻahu and mentored by the late Buttons Kaluhiokalani, Williams now carries that legacy forward as a powerful voice for access, equity and cultural inclusion in the sport.
Julian’s wildcard entry is the result of his own relentless dedication—supported by A Great Day in the Stoke and its founder, award-winning travel host Nathan Fluellen, who has spent the past five years advocating for access, amplifying visibility and investing in the growth of surfers across the global African diaspora. This summer’s breakthrough was made possible through Fluellen’s game-changing partnership with LEXUS, WSL and Complex.
“Surfing has long lacked visible Black representation at the elite level. Julian’s wildcard is a watershed moment, signifying a shift in how talent is discovered, supported and celebrated. It represents AGDITS’ mission to identify, elevate and champion Black surf talent on the world stage and we are so proud of his historic achievement,” said Fluellen. “His versatility across surf disciplines sets him apart as one of the most promising athletes in the next generation of surf talent.”
“My dream of not only competing but showcasing my hard work and dedication to the sport is becoming a reality, thanks to Lexus and Nate with A Great Day in the Stoke. I’m incredibly grateful and beyond excited for this opportunity—not just for myself, but for the chance to help open more doors for others like me,” said Williams.
Save the date for the fourth annual A Great Day in the Stoke event on September 27, 2025 at Huntington Beach Pier. More information is forthcoming.
About AGDITS (A Great Day in the Stoke):
Founded in 2022 by award-winning travel TV show host Nate Fluellen, A Great Day in the Stoke (AGDITS) is a first-of-its-kind competition and cultural surf festival that celebrates Black surf culture, amplifies Black surf talent from around the world and builds an inclusive future in the water.
Held annually in Huntington Beach, “Surf City USA”, AGDITS serves as both a high-energy event and a surf accelerator—a launchpad for athletes, artists, and changemakers shaping the future of surf and beach culture. More than an event, AGDITS is a movement to increase surfing interest and bringing children to the water and teaching safety creates ripple effects in drowning prevention and community health.
🌐 www.agreatdayinthestoke.com | 📱 IG
Media Contact:
Crystal Yang Edwards
📧 crystal@makewavescommunications.com