Helping Steve To Live His Dream Through Adaptive Surfing
At 42, Steve from Burnham-on-Sea is redefining what’s possible. Following a life-altering brain injury, he has defied expectations by catching waves once again, supported by Realise South West and the Adaptive Surfing team at The Wave Project.
Steve was severely injured a decade ago in Thailand, which left him with paralysis on his left side and challenges with speech. Known for his adventurous spirit, Steve’s family faced the reality that his life would look very different, and he required 24/7 specialist support. The journey hasn’t been easy, but thanks to his personal resilience, Steve is achieving milestones once thought impossible.
With the support of his Realise team, who have been by his side for the last eight years, Steve has taken significant steps towards reclaiming his independence and reconnecting with the adrenaline-fueled activities he once loved. Living in his own flat and embracing new opportunities, Steve had one particular goal in mind – to get back on a surfboard.
Recognising that traditional surfing wouldn’t be possible due to his mobility challenges, his support team reached out to us at The Wave Project. As a charity dedicated to making surfing accessible to everyone, we were able to provide a custom approach that allowed Steve to surf using a seated surfboard, accompanied by a specially adapted wetsuit to simplify accessibility.
When asked if he wanted to give it a go, Steve’s answer was a resounding thumbs-up. Thanks to months of preparation and coordination between Realise South West and our Adaptive Surfing team, Steve’s vision became a reality. He found himself back on the waves, experiencing the rush and freedom of surfing once more.
Jo Leigh, Area Registered Manager for Realise South West, shared, “For us, supporting Steve isn’t just about his daily needs. It’s about empowering him to live the life he chooses, including reconnecting with his adventurous spirit. The joy on his face as he surfed reminds us why we do what we do.”
For Steve’s mum, Alison, seeing her son back on a surfboard was an emotional moment. “Watching Steve surf again felt surreal. It’s thanks to Realise and The Wave Project that my son is living his best life.”
At The Wave Project, we’re proud to help people like Steve experience the joy of surfing, enabling moments that redefine what’s possible.