Mission
AccesSurf provides life-changing accessible water programs for people with disabilities.
Vision
We are leaders in a global movement of adaptive water sports, creating ‘An Ocean of Possibilities’, where inclusion and accessibility are prioritized in every community.
Core Values
Share the Aloha
We have fun and nurture a sense of ‘Ohana and belonging by connecting as participants, family members, caregivers, volunteers, donors, sponsors, and staff.
Ride the Wave
We evolve and safely adapt as we learn with and from each other.
Ocean of Possibilities
We generate waves of freedom that extend beyond the beach.
Our Story
AccesSurf Hawai’i was born of humble beginnings: a few pickup trucks, lots of duct tape and a determination to provide access for all people with disabilities to the beach and ocean. Original founders Mark Marble and Rich Julian, along with original board members Kate Julian and Amen Somal launched AccesSurf with the first “Day at the Beach” in November 2006.
From that first program day AccesSurf has continued to grow programs and as leaders for adaptive water sports programs.
Program expansion now includes:
From that first program day AccesSurf has continued to grow programs and as leaders for adaptive water sports programs.
Program expansion now includes:
- Day at the Beach
- Wounded Warrior Day at the Beach
- Adaptive swim and surf clinics
- Adaptive outrigger canoe program
- Multi day adaptive surf camps
- Hawai’i Adaptive Surfing Championships
- Corporate retreat community engagement programs
- Special partner events with schools and organizations
A few of the milestones over the years include:
- Paralympic Sports Club while that program existed (the only in the State of Hawai’i)
- Hosting one of the first competitive adaptive competitions in 2007 within Duke’s OceanFest. Now known as the Hawai’i Adaptive Surfing Championships.Proudly partnering with the AASP for the Adaptive Surfing World Tour
- Development of the safety protocol and the initial classification system for competitive adaptive surfing
Today AccesSurf has a robust community in Hawai’i and around the world. Locally providing over 90 program days with over 4000 life changing experiences annually.
