First Responders First Waves
June 17, 2023
“I Want Waves. More Ocean.”
June 29, 2023
Words: Brandon Klein
Photos: Jason Belsky (@jaybelsky)
Date: July 23th, 2023
(From L to R) Will Skudin, Cliff Skudin, Dan Mulvaney, Brandon Klein, Jim Mulvaney, Dr Jeanine Sorensen – Photo: Jason Belsky
Brandon Klein introduces the first custom adaptable surfboard in the United States, transforming the surfing
experience for physically and mentally disabled individuals. Inspired by a life-changing encounter, Long Island teen Brandon Klein embarked on a mission to provide an inclusive surfing opportunity, leading him to collaborate with renowned experts and the creation of a revolutionary surfboard design.
As a member of the Jericho High School National Honor Society Brandon volunteered at Surf For All, in Long Beach, NY. Brandon assisted with an adaptive surfing initiative. Witnessing the transformative impact of helping a woman with disabilities catch waves, Brandon’s passion for enabling disabled individuals to surf was ignited.
Will Skudin, Branden Guerin and Cliff Skudin – Photo: Jason Belsky
In his pursuit, he discovered the innovative tandem design surfboard created by the Cerebra Innovation Centre in Swansea, United Kingdom, a bold and unique concept in the United States. Driven by his vision, Brandon reached out to Cerebra and connected with their Product Design Manager, Dr. Ross Head, a Professor at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David. Dr. Head says: “When we had a call from the USA it was amazing to know that our work had been seen so far away, and it was a real privilege to support this ambitious project. I am really proud of our tandem surfboard and the amount of fun, laughter and smiles it has enabled over the years, so I’m really excited to see it hit the waves in America! Well done Brandon, you should be very proud of yourselves – you will love seeing those smiles too!”
Brendon Klein Talking With NewsdayTV
Guided by the shared design – Brandon found expert surfboard maker, Mike Becker from Nature’s Shapes Custom Surfboard in Sayville, NY. Mike was excited to take on such a unique project and be able to create a custom handcrafted surfboard. The integration of a specialized lightweight carbon fiber racing seat, provided directly by Tillett Racing in London, added a crucial component to the board’s functionality.
To fund the project, Brandon initiated a GoFundMe page and organized fundraisers with support from the Jericho High School Varsity Club, friends, family, and social media outreach. The project aims to remove restrictions and barriers, allowing individuals with physical or mental conditions to experience the ocean and the exhilaration of surfing.
Brendon Klein and the new Adaptive Surfboard
Jericho High School teacher and coach Kevin Brodsky said “Brandon is one of our Varsity Club Officers he has been instrumental having varsity club run events to fundraise for Surf for All! He is a very special kid with a heart of gold”
This groundbreaking initiative marks a significant milestone in the United States, offering a lifechanging opportunity for disabled individuals to embrace the ocean’s thrill and positive emotions previously inaccessible to them.
(L to R) Dan Mulvany, Cliff Skudin
Cliff Skudin, co-founder of Surf For All said “This is a remarkable piece of equipment that will open the water to those that previously were unable to experience the joys and exhilaration of being in the ocean. It truly is amazing how Brandon was able to make this possible.”
