Tell us a little about yourself.
Hey Everyone! My name is Carter Parry, and I’m an adaptive surfer. Five years ago, I lost my right lung, leg, and toes to the flu, but that hasn’t stopped me from getting back in the water. Doctors weren’t even sure I would get off of supplemental oxygen, but today, you’ll find me surfing, paddling, golfing, and mountain biking all around Oʻahu!
How and when did you start with AccesSurf?
One of AccesSurf’s more hidden figures, Russell Kim, reached out to me via instagram when I was getting ready to leave in-patient rehab. The surfing came slowly, first taking nubby steps back into the water just to paddle in Ala Moana’s protected swim zone. Russ was actually there to witness my first standing wave!
What does AccesSurf mean to you?
To me, AccesSurf means both safety and community. With just one lung, I wondered if I’d ever feel able to safely ride a wave again, as breath holds aren’t really my strong suit anymore… Before I left the ICU, I wrote that “I might not even be able to stand on a surfboard anymore, but I’m sure as hell gonna try.” Well, the volunteers at AccesSurf said, “Yes, you can!” and tossed me a board, a shaka, and an opportunity to surf without drowning. AccesSurf is a place where people don’t ask only what you’ve lost, but also what you still want to do. Beyond the waves, it’s given me an amazing community of friends and memories that continue to shape my life.
Favorite AccesSurf memory?
I’ll never forget the first time I caught a wave standing on my prosthetic leg. Russell and I were out on big logs at Marine Land when I paddled into a small one-foot bump. After a few awkward movements trying to find my balance, the board’s fat rails kicked in and helped steady me. I felt like I was flying, watching the brilliant reef dancing under my mechanical foot. The gliding feeling of the wave reignited my passion for surfing and sparked a newfound love for all adaptive sports, and seeing just how far my banged up body can go.
You can actually see my first standing wave here! Standing After Losing Lung & Leg
Anything you want to say or share with our AccesSurf ‘ohana?
I just want to give a huge mahalo to all the incredible AccesSurf volunteers who make it possible for us to get out there. Your time, energy, and kindness create a space where everyone feels safe, included, and stoked to be part of something bigger than themselves. You’re the reason activities like surfing again are even possible for me.
And to all the participants… keep showing up, keep trying, and keep sharing your aloha out there! Every wave we catch together reminds me how much we are all capable of. I’m so grateful to be part of this ohana.
Craig has been AccesSurf’s unsung hero for the last 18 YEARS- claiming his name to fame as “Key Follower”. He does a lot of behind the scene jobs from sewing broken tent covers to outfitting our equipment vans, trucks and storage containers. His innovation and creativity have been monumental to the success of AccesSurf. Craig’s time and dedication to our community has shaped AccesSurf into what it is today. Mahalo Craig!
Tell us a little about yourself:
Craig Short originally from North Carolina I like surfing, sailing and woodworking
How and when did you hear about AccesSurf?:
In 2008, we met Jeff and Denise Hepfer, who were involved with AccesSurf, and suggested we check the program out. New to the island we enjoyed the AccesSurf community and jumped in to be part of it.
What does AccesSurf mean to you?:
To me, AccesSurf means gathering with friends at the beach to enjoy the ocean together, whether it is talking story on the beach or getting in the water to swim, surf or canoe.
Favorite AccesSurf memory?:
AccesSurf has given me many amazing memories from supporting the professional panel of judges at HASC to becoming an actor for a day with Rescue HI surf. My favorite memories are spending time with the great group of staff, volunteers and participants that make AccesSurf what it is.
Anything you want to say or share with our AccesSurf ‘ohana?
Mahalo for honoring me as Volunteer of the year.
