#HighFivesAthletes take on Santa Cruz for the 2nd adaptive surf camp hosted by the foundation this year!

Videos by Generikal Design | Words BY PROGRAM SERVICES MANAGER, STEVE WALLACE

What is adaptive surfing?

Adaptive surfing is done on a waveski or prone paddleboards with the assistance of a waterman.

A form of sit-on-top surfboard, the waveski, is slightly larger than a standard longboard and includes a seat, fins, foot straps, a seat belt and a paddle. The ones High Fives has been using while here are made by Tyler Lausten in Corralitos. The foundation also supplies prone paddleboards for campers with the most restriction in movement.

Finding a board that fits is just one of the challenges facing adaptive surfers. Pulling on a wetsuit poses its own unique set of problems. Also the paddle that comes with the waveski isn’t always welcomed into the lineup.

Waterman do everything from loading and unloading boards to schlepping participants and their chairs to the beach to slathering on sunscreen. But the best part is helping them catch the waves! It’s said that it takes 2.4 people to help an adaptive athlete. Our group successfully operated at a ratio of less than one volunteer for every adaptive athlete.

My life is legitimately changed because of this trip. Knowing that the simple pleasure of being in the ocean, is a reality again enables my family and I to take a new approach to travel and adventure. Finding forms of independence and activities I can participate in with my family is what it’s all about for me.

#HIGHFIVESATHLETE, JASON ABRAHAM