Waves For All
On Saturday, July 27, dozens of volunteers came out to help more than 100 people with disabilities experience riding the waves at Adaptive Surf NYC 2024.
On Saturday, all gathered at Beach 69th Street to help those with disabilities ride the waves with the help of adaptive equipment and volunteers. Adaptive Surf NYC 2024 is part of the “Play It Forward” program by Wheeling Forward, dedicated to empowering children, adults, and veterans with disabilities through transformative adaptive sports experiences.
The event featured adaptive surf sessions led by professional surf instructors, ensuring that participants of all skill levels received the guidance and support they needed, making it accessible for everyone to join in the fun. Attendees enjoyed a day filled with music, entertainment, refreshments, and family-friendly activities. Volunteers helped in several capacities from registration to hospitality, set up and take down, athlete prep, shallow water athlete support, mid water athlete support and deep-water athlete support.
“Adaptive sports have a profound impact on individuals with disabilities, fostering confidence, physical health, and a strong sense of community,” Alex Elegudin, President of Wheeling Forward, said. “We’re grateful for the support from the Rockaway Beach community and our sponsors, which makes events like this possible.”
For more info about Play It Forward, see: https://wheelingforward.org/playitforward/
Photos by Tim Moriarty.
