Blind Surfer Finds Joy and Waves through Adaptive Surf Project
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – A Tale of Courage and Resilience
A blind surfer named Ana Perrone, instead of being held back by her visual impairment, found a renewed sense of self through surfing. With the help of a project known as the Adaptive Surf Project, which helped Ana get a custom surfboard, she began to challenge her limitations and live her passion for sea and waves.
A Custom Surfboard to Empower Perrone
The surfboard brought a fresh wave of hope to Perrone’s life. James Samaha, who crafts boards for the Adaptive Surf Project out of Florida, created a wider, curved board for Perrone, enhancing its stability and making it less likely for her to nosedive into waves.
Adaptive Surf Project: A Community-centric Initiative
Based in Cherry Grove in North Myrtle Beach, the Adaptive Surf Project was conceived in 2014 by Luke Sharpe and Brandon Bellegarde. Their aim was to create a space where disability did not limit access and enjoyment of the beach and sea.
Perrone spoke passionately about the project and the community there, highlighting that everyone at the Adaptive Surf Project is seen beyond their disability. “You’re not the blind girl, you’re not the person in the wheelchair, it doesn’t matter,” she expressed.
Impacting Lives and Communities
The Adaptive Surf Project is not just about empowering individuals; it also enriches the local community. Beyond creating custom boards, the project also donates beach wheelchairs, making the beach more accessible to all.
Rediscovering Self through the Adaptive Surf Project
According to Perrone, after losing her sight, she felt as though she had lost a part of her identity. But the Adaptive Surf Project helped her reclaim it. It reminded her of her love for the sea and the joy she found in riding the waves. “I went oh my god, I remember who I am,” she recalled.
Invitation to Support the Project
The Adaptive Surf Project has announced an event called “Wheel to Surf,” which will be held on September 7th at Surfside Beach. Perrone invites everyone to join and experience what the project offers.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
