A moment that changed me: my brother gave me an unexpected gift

The water was my childhood playground but, as I grew up, my health left me landbound. Then my brother found a way to launch me back into the waves ...

A moment that changed me: my brother gave me an unexpected gift

TL;DR

  • The author grew up surfing but developed chronic illnesses in her teens and early twenties, eventually losing the use of her legs.
  • Her brother, training as an adaptive surf coach, gifted her an adapted surfboard for her birthday.
  • Despite initial doubts, the author attempted surfing in Bude, Cornwall, feeling stronger and experiencing unparalleled joy.
  • Adaptive surfing provided her with a new life, restoring her connection to the sea and removing perceived limitations.