Stephen’s Journey to Adaptive Surfing with The Wave Project
For almost 30 years, Stephen has been a wheelchair user after a life-changing accident at age 16. Despite the challenges, Stephen has always had a strong connection to water, from water-skiing to paddleboarding, kayaking and swimming. Yet, there was one water-based sport he had never considered possible: surfing.
That all changed in 2020 when Stephen came across an article about Adaptive Surfing. Inspired, he began to wonder if he, too, could experience the thrill of riding waves. “As someone who cannot stand, I just didn’t think surfing was something that I would be able to do,” he shares. But with the discovery of Adaptive Surfing, he knew he had to give it a try. His journey led him to The Wave Project in Croyde in the spring of 2021, and since then, it has become his “second home.”
Reconnecting with the Ocean
Stephen’s first surf session with The Wave Project held particular significance as it marked his return to the UK sea for the first time since his accident: “All those years without doing something I adore, and I am so grateful to The Wave Project for making this happen.”
The experience was made even more meaningful by our team in Croyde: “Ian and the team are magnificent. I never leave Croyde without feeling full of heart and with a glowing smile on my face.”
Stephen has not only developed his skills but has also gone on to represent Team England in two Para World Surfing Championships.
Adaptive Surfing at Croyde: Leading the Way
Croyde is now home to the UK’s first Adaptive Surfing hub, a testament to our commitment to making surfing accessible to everyone. Stephen highlights the exceptional facilities that enable people of all abilities to surf: “The setup at Croyde is brilliant. The Changing Places facilities are superb, there is a range of beach chairs and adaptive boards, and they are supported by a great team of staff and volunteers who are absolutely committed to making sure you have an enjoyable surf.”
For Stephen, the heart of Adaptive Surfing isn’t just about riding waves; it’s about the community, joy and sense of accomplishment that comes with it. He reflects: “The best surfers are the ones with the biggest smile on their face, and The Wave Project certainly makes sure everyone leaves with a smile on their face.”
Stephen’s advice to anyone considering giving adaptive surfing a go? “Do it. You’ll leave with a full heart and a smile you won’t be able to wipe away.”
We are incredibly proud to support individuals like Stephen in their surfing journeys! Find out more about our Adaptive Surfing programme here.