Celebrating the Success of the 2023 Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Championships

May 8-13, 2023

The 2023 Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Championships held in the breathtaking shores of Waikiki brought together an impressive array of talent, determination, and passion. The event not only showcased the remarkable abilities of adaptive surfers but also highlighted the inclusivity and camaraderie within the surfing community. The presence of the High Fives Athletes and Ambassadors added an extra layer of inspiration to the event, emphasizing the transformative power of adaptive surfing.

A total of 23 High Fives Athletes and Ambassadors competed in eight different categories, showcasing their incredible talents and inspiring others with their stories of perseverance. Their participation not only added to the competitive spirit but also served as a reminder that adaptive surfing is about embracing challenges and pushing boundaries. Their results are as follows…

Felipe Lima Kuzo Ambassador Mens Waveski 1st
Victoria Feige Athlete – Womens Kneeling 1st
Chris Oberle Ambassador Mens Waveski 2nd
Ryan Porteous Athlete – Mens Prone Unassisted 2nd
Alana Nichols Ambassador – Womens Waveski 2nd
Casey Proud Athlete – Mens Prone Unassisted 3rd
Jose Martinez Ambassador – Mens Prone Assist 3rd
Cassie Eckroth Athlete – Womens Waveski 3rd
Josh Bogel Ambassador – Mens Kneeling 4th
Ashley Bunting Athlete – Womens Prone Assist 4th
Ethan Karier Athlete Mens Waveski 4th
Eric Lazar Athlete – Mens Prone Assit 4th
Roy Tuscany Founder – Mens Waveski
Trevor Kennison Athlete – Mens Waveski
Samantha Summers Athlete – Womens Waveski
Spike Kane Ambassador Mens Waveski, Mens Prone Assist
Jeff Andrews Athlete – Mens Prone Assist
Claudio Morales Athlete – Mens Prone Assist
Shay Eastham Athlete – Mens Prone Assist
Jordan Koeninger Athlete – Mens Prone Unassisted
Chaka Webb Ambassador – Mens Waveski
Dariel Melendez Davila – Ambassador Mens AK Standing
Mike Pingatore Athlete Mens Kneeling

NAME ROLE CATEGORY1 Roy Tuscany Founder Mens Waveski 2 Trevor Kennison Athlete Mens Waveski 3 Alana Nichols Ambassador Womens Waveski4 Samantha Summers Athlete Womens Waveski5 Cassie Eckroth Athlete Womens Waveski6 Spike Kane Ambassador Mens Waveski, Mens Prone Assist7 Jeff Andrews Athlete Mens Prone Assist8 Claudio Morales Athlete Mens Prone Assist9 Shay Eastham Athlete Mens Prone Assist10 Casey Proud Athlete Mens Prone Unassisted 11 Jordan Koeninger Athlete Mens Prone Unassisted 12 Jose Martinez Ambassador Mens Prone Assist13 Victoria Feige Athlete Womens Kneeling14 Ashley Bunting Athlete Womens Prone Assist15 Ryan Porteous Athlete Mens Prone Unassisted 16 Chaka Webb Ambassador Mens Waveski 17 Felipe Lima Kuzo Ambassador Mens Waveski18 Josh Bogel Ambassador Mens Kneeling19 Dariel Melendez DavilaAmbassador Mens AK Standing20 Eric Lazar Athlete Mens Prone Assit21 Chris Oberle Ambassador Mens Waveski 22 Ethan Karier Athlete Mens Waveski 23 Mike Pingatore Athlete Mens Kneeling

A remarkable 105 participants from 18 countries flocked to the picturesque waves of Waikiki, making the 2023 Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Championships an incredible success. It was a truly international gathering, reflecting the global appeal and growing popularity of adaptive surfing. From the United States to Australia, Brazil to South Africa, surfers from around the world showcased their skills and determination, forming lifelong connections and forging a stronger community.

With a total of 19 competitor categories, the Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Championships catered to a wide range of abilities and skill levels. The event aimed to create a level playing field and provide fair competition for all participants, regardless of their physical challenges. Each category witnessed impressive displays of athleticism, resilience, and the sheer joy of riding the waves.

Thank you to our sponsors, volunteers, and supporters Stoke For Life Foundation, AccesSurf.