There’s no easy way down to Pleasure Point—but that’s never stopped us. In our latest video release, we follow High Fives Athletes Chad W, Soren L, and Corwin B as they each take their own unique route down the infamous staircase to the surf break in Santa Cruz, CA. While the methods may differ, the … Read more
The High Fives Wheelchair Rugby Team is officially national champions! The team traveled to Tampa, Florida, to compete in the 2025 Division 2 National Championship at Wiregrass Arena—and they came home with the title. With six games in three days, the squad showed grit, strategy, and unstoppable teamwork, going a perfect 6-0 to take the … Read more
A new collaborative short film by TEAM LEWIS Foundation & High Fives Foundation The TEAM LEWIS Foundation and High Fives Foundation have once again teamed up—united by a shared mission to tell stories that inspire. The Healing Powers of Water is their latest collaboration…a short film exploring water as a powerful force for healing, transformation, … Read more
Waves, Stoke, and Community From April 30 to May 3, twelve High Fives Athletes gathered in Santa Cruz for an unforgettable adaptive surf experience. Whether it was their first time on a board or their fiftieth, every athlete brought energy and determination to the waves. Led by our incredible team, the camp focused on fun, … Read more
High Fives Proud Supporter, Tender Belly, fuels more than just breakfast—they’re fueling awareness for adaptive athletes! From supporting our mission to spreading the word on social media, Tender Belly is helping bring visibility to life after injury. Because awareness is key. 🥓🙌 Kirk Williams View this post on Instagram A post shared by TENDER BELLY … Read more
Wake Surf Tahoe is a day camp service offered by the High Fives Foundation, designed to provide existing High Fives Athletes the opportunity to experience and learn wake surfing on Lake Tahoe. Made possible by our incredible partners @mcboatcompany @sparksscheels @swiftinstitutenv @tmrfoundation. Apply HERE
Dariel Meléndez’s Athlete Story The High Fives Foundation has released its newest short documentary, The Pura Vida Path, spotlighting the incredible story of Dariel Meléndez—a 23-year-old from Costa Rica whose life was forever changed after a traumatic train accident cost him his leg. What followed was a transformation that turned pain into passion, leading Dariel … Read more
Meet Dariel Meléndez & watch his full film – releasing May 5th! From the rivers of Costa Rica to the snowy slopes of Colorado, Dariel Meléndez’s journey is anything but ordinary. The Pura Vida Path is a raw, cinematic short film that follows Dariel’s transformation after a traumatic accident changed his life forever. Through heartbreak, … Read more
Through our Empowerment Fund, we provide two grant cycles each year to support individuals with life-changing injuries in reclaiming their independence and reconnecting with outdoor adventure. The first grant cycle of 2025 was a powerful reflection of that mission in action. In this cycle, we welcomed 51 new athletes and continued our support of 64 … Read more
Words By Athlete Manager, Landon McGauley Being a wheelchair user in North America comes with certain privileges that are easy to take for granted. Thanks to ADA laws, wheelchair users have access to streets, sidewalks, and businesses, along with essential features like curb cutouts and automatic doors. These conveniences make everyday life more accessible. However, in … Read more
