Written By Athlete Manager; Landon McGauley
As the High Fives Foundation has grown from supporting its very first athlete in 2009 to its 866th in 2024, our adaptive sports programs and the locations where we host them have expanded exponentially.
It all began with our first surf camp in San Clemente in 2012. Since then, the program has grown to over a dozen camps across multiple continents. These camps have given athletes their first taste of surfing, helped others return to the water after their injuries, and even supported some in progressing their skills to a level competitive on the world stage.
Most recently, our surf camp in Puerto Rico brought together 9 adaptive athletes at various stages of their journeys. The goal wasn’t just to ride amazing waves in a breathtaking location but also to build a community—a cornerstone of what we do at High Fives.
Veteran adaptive athletes Ira Edwards, Alana Nichols, and Ryan Bodine brought their immense experience and resources to mentor newer surfers like Eric Wang, Kyle Stepp, George Carpenter, and Ashley Bunting. This incredible group bonded quickly, sharing skills and creating friendships that will last far beyond their time in Puerto Rico. View the full photo album HERE.
Athlete Reflections from Puerto Rico;
