On November 2nd at beautiful Coronado Shores, Team Quinn Surf hosted an adaptive yoga and surf event. Over 40 participants, volunteers, friends, and family attended. The day started off with coffee, donuts, and good conversation as everyone arrived. Next, the yoga session on the beach was a relaxing and grounding start to the day, led by local yoga teacher Sarah. Following yoga, everyone gathered to hear Mr. Waitley speak on behalf of Team Quinn Surf before the surfing fun began. Mr. Waitley always knows how to make everyone feel welcome and valued.
A group of adaptive surfers and volunteers gather to hear Mr. Waitley speak.
Finally, the main event of surfing kicked off. There were surfers of all abilities in attendance. For one participant, it was his first time ever adaptive surfing! Jack Robertson is a marathon swimmer and naturally loves the ocean. This event was his first time working with Team Quinn Surf and he loved it. He found out about the event from Access Trax CEO Kelly Twichel after connecting over the common goal of making beaches more accessible.
Jack Robertson surfs for the first time riding an adaptive board.
The set up of this event was efficient and well-executed. Additionally, there were 2 beach wheelchairs available to assist with surfers getting in and out of the water as needed. Finally, there were teams of volunteers that went out with the surfers for safety, instruction, and added fun!
The Beach Trax portable access pathway (shown) was used to provide a platform for beach wheelchair access to the event area.
Team Quinn Surf is a nonprofit based in Coronado, California that supports adaptive athletes. They hold multiple free events throughout the year. Quinn Waitley is the inspiration for the organization, and is an adaptive surfer for Team USA. Quinn explains “there’s nothing that can disable me from doing anything I set my mind to.” Access Trax is proud to volunteer with organizations like Team Quinn Surf.