From May 5–8, 2026, the world’s top adaptive surfers gathered at Queens in Waikīkī, Hawai‘i for the 2026 Hawai‘i Adaptive Surfing Championships and the High Fives crew showed up in a big way.
High Fives Foundation supported 12 athletes throughout the event, where 99 athletes competed across 18 classifications in one of adaptive surfing’s premier international competitions. Out of the 18 total classifications, High Fives athletes and ambassadors earned first place finishes in 6 divisions, highlighting the continued growth and progression of adaptive surfing on the world stage.
Among the standout performances, both Roy Tuscany and Alana Nichols claimed first place in their respective classifications, with Roy celebrating an emotional finish by not touching the sand after his winning ride back to shore.
“The Hawai‘i Adaptive Surf Championships was a phenomenal week for the High Fives crew. High-level competitors from across the world showed up and delivered incredible surfing. Adaptive surfing continues to progress as a sport and we are thrilled to support our athletes to be on the front lines of that progression,” said Dani Trujillo.
The impact of the event stretched beyond podium finishes. Of the 55 finalists at the competition, 24 athletes had previously received support through High Fives Foundation grants or gifted equipment programs, a reflection of the organization’s ongoing commitment to helping adaptive athletes access sport and continue pursuing progression after life-changing injuries.
