The Stance ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championship was created to give surfers with physical disabilities an opportunity to compete and display their talents in a Paralympic-style, world-class competition. This year, 120 athletes from 24 nations competed. The Hawai’i Adaptive Surf Team proudly took home the 4th place team medal. Athletes compete in their individual divisions and all team points are tabulated throughout the competition to determine placement for the team world title.
In the individual divisions Hawai’i won 4 medals: Ann Yoshida – Gold Medal (AS-4 Women’s), Meira Durate Va’a – Silver Medal (AS-3 Women’s), Meira Durate Va’a – Bronze Medal (AS-3 Open), and Darian Haynes (AS-1 Women’s). The Hawai’i Adaptive Surf Team represented proudly and with sheer determination.
The Hawai’i Adaptive Surf Team proudly took home the 4th place team medal. Photo: ISA Surfing“The Hawai’i Adaptive Surf Team represented proudly and with sheer determination. Teams can have up to 16 athletes throughout all divisions. Due to some last minute changes, Hawai’i only had a team of 8. To make to the podium with a half of potential full team is extraordinary. Three of our women surfers had to compete in both the Open and Women’s divisions, so this year they took us to the next level,” said Cara Short, AccesSurf Executive Director.
Ann Yoshida won 1st place in the Open, for surfers who ride waves in a prone position. Photo: ISA SurfingEstablished in 2006, AccesSurf empowers individuals with disabilities through adaptive water programs. In following the spirit of Duke Kahanamoku, AccesSurf continues to be a pioneer in the advancement of adaptive watersports, ocean recreation, and therapeutic instruction for participants throughout the state of Hawai’i and worldwide. To become a participant, volunteer or learn more visit www.accessurf.org. Follow on social media: Facebook @accessurf and Instagram @accessurf_hawaii.