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 to become a rising adaptive surfer, skier, and High Fives athlete.
Dariel grew up in rural Costa Rica, learning to swim with his grandfather. But a single day in his childhood changed everything. Attacked during an attempted robbery and fleeing in panic, Dariel was struck by a train. The accident resulted in the amputation of his leg, and shortly after, the loss of his grandfather—his greatest mentor.
“I cannot disappoint that person,” Dariel says in the film. “I know that he would be so disappointed in me if I gave up. So I was like—no. You’ve got to keep going.”
Surfing became his salvation. He adapted his style using one arm as a foot, progressing from beginner waves to Costa Rica’s most dangerous breaks. Competing in the U.S. Para Surfing Championships, he connected with the High Fives Foundation and mentor Jose Martinez. That connection opened doors—not just to community, but to an entirely new element: snow.
“Everything, everything was new for me,” Dariel says of his first ski trip. “I remember looking up the mountain and thinking—how many years until I ski from the top? And then I did it. Last week.”
The Pura Vida Path is not just about overcoming. It’s about choosing joy, community, and momentum, again and again. The film captures the beauty of resilience—and the quiet, powerful moments that make it all worthwhile.
