Page 16 - MidWeek - Nov 24, 2021

16 MIDWEEK NOVEMBER 24, 2021
Spend any time on an island in the middle of the Pacific, and
part in ocean activities safe- ly: AccesSurf.
Short got involved with the organization in 2008 after seeing an AccesSurf poster promoting a com- munity ocean day. The nonprofit’s mission reso- nated deeply with the Can- ada native, whose niece has cerebral palsy.
that was just my first day as a volunteer.”
“We have core programs, A like Day at the Beach, pi where everyone comes for wi an introduction to adap- in tive water sports,” explains in Short. “Then we run small- al er clinics, so if someone H comes to Day at the Beach on and wants to be more inde- th pendent or increase their fr skills and technique, we
now offer surfing, swim-
ming and paddling clinics.”
For the past 15 years, AccesSurf has been riding a wave of success in making ocean activities accessible to those with disabilities.
in the water. Its free Days at the Beach every first Saturday gives those with disabilities the chance to experience water activities with specialized equip- ment under the watchful eye of trained volunteers. On the same wavelength is the Wounded Warrior Day at the Beach for service members that takes place every third Wednesday. The pandemic put a lot of its programs on hold, and Ac- cesSurf is excited to once again be starting back up some of its signature clinics with modifications to keep
w in te pe
everyone safe. A full sched- ev ule can be found online at al accessurf.org/events. pe
the allure of the ocean will come calling, welcoming locals and visitors alike to jump in its warm waters to swim, surf or paddle. But for those with disabilities, a day at the beach can be more stressful — or impos- sible — than enjoyable.
“There is a true focus on inclusion,” says executive director Cara Short. “And it changes
Over the past 15 years, the nonprofit has created an ocean of opportunities
In 2006, all that changed when buddies Mark Marble and Rich Julian put their heads together and came up with a solution to help those with disabilities take
“As soon as I went to the program, I fell in love,” re- calls Short. “There’s some- thing about the energy and the experience; it quite hon- estly changed my life. And
AcesSurf’s mission is to create water-centric op- portunities for those with
lives.”
for
those
wanting
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disabilities, and a big part of that includes those who want to compete at higher levels. It’s why the orga- nization created the Ha-
SEE PAGE 21
In addition to helping those with disabilities enjoy water activities, AccesSurf has been instrumental in getting accessible beach mats installed at places like Ala Moana. Pictured
are (from left) executive director Cara Short, director of training and innovation Ann Yoshida, co-founder Mark Marble, and co-founder Rich Julian and his wife, Kate.
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