Matt Bowen

Ten years ago, Matt was paralyzed while body surfing at Huntington Beach in California. After catching a wave, he was thrown headfirst onto the ocean floor, shattering his C5 vertebra. The impact left him immediately paralyzed and caused him to inhale water, effectively drowning. Fortunately, someone came to his rescue, and Matt was saved. Today, he is thankful to be here and continuing his journey.
“The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.”
High Fives has provided:
Cycle 1 2025 grant funding for Firefly wheelchair attachment

“The firefly will allow me access to previously inaccessible parts of the outdoors and give me greater freedom to spend time with my family, especially in playing with my 3 year old son.“
– #HighFivesAthlete, Matt Bowen