We Believe the Outdoors Should be Accessible Everywhere

That’s why we work with organizations around the world- read about a few of them below!

International Beginnings

Access Trax was formed in 2018 after the co-founders were inspired by the need of local adaptive surfers to cross sand at the beach with ease. Fast forward to 2020, and the company has worked with organizations in 8 countries across 5 continents! How did Access Trax manage a global presence so quickly? The answer is a few key reasons:

First, co-founders Kelly Twichel and Eric Packard are Occupational Therapists with deep ties to the adaptive surfing community. Starting in 2015, the World Adaptive Surf Championship (now called the World Para Surf Championship) occurs every year in La Jolla. This event brings adaptive surfers from all over the world right to San Diego where Access Trax is located. The championship provided the perfect opportunity to test the Beach Trax access pathway with a variety of people and gain valuable feedback. Plus, the exposure was helpful for connecting with athletes and organizations from other countries that need a solution like Beach Trax.

Second, it was important to CEO Kelly Twichel that Access Trax form partnerships with adaptive sports organizations. Some of these groups happen to be on different continents. Connecting with other like-minded people on a mission to promote accessibility and adaptive sports is a powerful thing. Groups include the RAD Recreation Adapted Society, Costa Rica Accessible Tourism, and the England Adaptive Surf Team Manager.

Finally, since every country has outdoor areas that need accessibility, there is always a place for an access pathway like Beach Trax. It is exciting to be able to help improve access to yards, beaches, parks, and campgrounds everywhere.

Around the World

So exactly where has Beach Trax traveled to beyond the United States so far? Our very first international customer was the Japan Adaptive Surf Organization back in 2018. They host multiple events each year including a surf “open” which invites competitors from other countries. Also, we have worked with an accessible products company in Israel, the RAD Recreation Adapted Society, and an adaptive surfing nonprofit from Mexico. Surfeando Sonrisas is the name of the organization in Mexico. They hold surfing events for people with disabilities in Acapulco and other areas.

Another international organization we work with is the English Adaptive Surfing Team. Our great friend Spike Kane surfs for their team. Yet another surprising place you’ll find Beach Trax is all the way in Durban, South Africa! The Made for More SA nonprofit provides opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in sports including surfing. They recently ordered Beach Trax and will be using it for their adaptive surfing event in the end of January and again at their Adaptive Surf Open in May! Finally, the Access Trax team volunteered in Costa Rica in 2019 for their first ever Adaptive Surf Open.

Check out some images showing Beach Trax around the world below: