Folly Beach Hosts 13th Annual Wheel to Surf, Empowering Adaptive Surfers

The 13th annual Wheel to Surf event at Folly Beach provided adaptive surfing opportunities, offering life-changing experiences for participants and highlighting community efforts to improve beach accessibility.

Folly Beach Hosts 13th Annual Wheel to Surf, Empowering Adaptive Surfers

The 13th annual Wheel to Surf event recently took place at Folly Beach, bringing the exhilarating experience of adaptive surfing to participants and the community. Partnering with multiple nonprofits, Charleston County Parks and Recreation facilitated a day of ocean joy for nearly 50 individuals, supported by an equal number of dedicated volunteers.

Key Takeaways

  • The event aims to make surfing accessible to individuals with disabilities.
  • Volunteers play a crucial role in assisting surfers in and out of the water.
  • The experience is described as "life-changing" by participants and organizers alike.
  • Charleston County Parks is actively working to improve beach accessibility.

A Life-Changing Experience

Founder Brock Johnson, who returned to surfing after an accident, emphasized the profound impact the event has had on his life and the lives of others. "It was life-changing," Johnson shared, highlighting his joy in returning to the sport and witnessing the excitement of first-time surfers. The Adapted Surf Project, a nonprofit foundation, supports the Wheel to Surf initiative, extending its reach to clinics, outreach programs, and competitions.

Participant Testimonials

Tracy Hudson, a first-time participant from Lancaster, described the experience as "exhilarating." She expressed the deep emotional significance of the event for herself and her family, noting that she never thought she would have the opportunity to surf. Hudson also highlighted the use of a Waymaker track wheelchair, which allowed her to fulfill a bucket list item of walking on the beach with her family, regaining a sense of independence.

Sarah Harrington, a regular adaptive surfer, shared her consistent happiness derived from the event's blend of fun and supportive volunteers. Alyssa Sturgell from Charleston County Parks and Recreation echoed these sentiments, describing the event as heartwarming and witnessing the pure joy on the surfers' faces.

Community Collaboration and Accessibility Efforts

Sturgell credited partner organizations such as Ocean Cure, Adaptive Surf Project, and Adaptive Expeditions for their vital contributions. She also emphasized the indispensable role of volunteers in guiding surfers. Charleston County Parks is committed to enhancing beach accessibility, with track chairs available at Isle of Palms County Park and Folly Beach, and another planned for Beachwalker County Park. Additionally, beach mats have been installed at Isle of Palms and Folly Beach to ensure easier access from boardwalks to the sand.

Johnson concluded by expressing his hope that Wheel to Surf inspires individuals to recognize their potential, stating, "I just want people to know that there are outlets out there for them. You can do anything."

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