My name is Lori King. I’m originally from New Jersey, spent 13 years in San Diego, and continued west to Oahu, where I have been living for almost three years.My interests include meditation, hiking, SCUBA diving, working out, traveling, photography, volunteering, human connection, and neuroscience. I have a deep love for sunshine, movement, adventure and people!I’m an occupational therapist and love working with kids, mostly because I’m a big kid myself! I also co-founded a nonprofit here in Hawaiʻi that supports keiki and families in building social-emotional skills. Check out Kindred ConnectionI previously volunteered for 13 years with an adapted surf organization in Southern California called Life Rolls On. When I moved to Hawaiʻi, I was excited to discover there was a similar organization known as AccesSurf, and I began volunteering in January 2024. Shortly after, I joined the leadership team to assist with the Transfer and Profiler roles.
AccesSurf means Opportunity. Connection. ʻOhana.AccesSurf creates opportunity by making the ocean accessible to people of all abilities, something I have witnessed again and again as both transformative and healing. From a nonprofit perspective, it has also shown me what’s possible when a strong mission is paired with a heart-centered vision.But it’s the people of AccesSurf, who welcomed me with open arms, who have made the biggest impact. The connections within this ohana have left a lasting imprint on my heart. While I am deeply grateful to serve this community, AccesSurf has given me far more than I could give in return.My favorite AccesSurf memories:One was a few months ago there was a female participant from Waianae who had never been in the ocean her entire life. She was understandably anxious and unsure if her medical complexities would allow her to participate. I’ll never forget her excitement after getting in the water, and seeing her return, just as stoked to get back in and reconnect with familiar faces.Another favorite memory was on the last night of HASC 2025. As our international group exited the final social event and came down the escalator, the surfers, families, and volunteers all formed a cheering line. I felt so much joy as I watched our unique community dancing and celebrating, choosing to honor connection and inclusion over competition.
When I first moved to Hawaiʻi, I was going through a difficult transition and I wasn’t very social during my first year. Day at the Beach was the exception because it gave me a reason to show up, serve, and connect with the community. I always left feeling so much better.AccesSurf became a pivotal part of my life and I now take advantage of every opportunity to be apart of this organization. I truly feel like I’ve found my ohana… big-hearted, big-spirited people who want to serve, celebrate others, and give back. The connections I’ve made through AccesSurf have changed my life in countless ways and have truly made this place feel like home.
