Individuals with Physical Disabilities Hit the Waves at Adaptive Surf Event

Brooks Rehabilitation’s Adaptive Sports and Recreation hosted its annual surfing event on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at Jacksonville Beach. Brooks has been hosting the surfing event in Jacksonville Beach for more than 10 years.

With the help of over 200 volunteers, 56 surfers with physical disabilities took the water to participate in a sport they never thought possible. The event was originally schedule for Saturday, June 3, but was canceled due to hazardous surf and wind conditions.

“Adaptive surfing is always one of our most popular events,” said Alice Krauss, manager of the Brooks Adaptive Sports and Recreation program. “We were disappointed when we had to reschedule our June date due to dangerous riptides, but we will always put the safety of our participants and volunteers first. We’re grateful we were able to find a new date because for these participants who live with paralysis and other disabling conditions, this is an opportunity to forget their limitations and experience the thrill and freedom of the ocean.”

Brooks Adaptive Sports and Recreation is an innovative health promotion program that uses sports and recreation to facilitate lifelong health, well-being and quality of life for individuals of all ages and abilities living with disability in our community and beyond. The program offers a variety of weekly activities and special events, free of cost to participants.

To view the photos from the surf event, click here.

To view news coverage from the event, please click the links below:

• https://www.news4jax.com/news/local/2023/07/15/brooks-rehabilitation-hold-adaptive-surfing-event/
• https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/community/dozens-leave-their-disabilities-adaptive-surfing-event/77-ac2629ce-08a6-4dc5-92a9-367915294dcf