Twenty Years Later, Kathleen Returned to the Ocean

Words: John Boland
Photos: Jason Belsky (@jaybelsky)
Date: July 13th, 2026

My sister hasn’t been in the ocean in 20 years, as someone who has CP the difficulties she experienced at the beach created feelings in her that she was being a burden to others and for that reason it would not be enjoyable. A year ago she joined a Surf For All outing and put her toes in the water, not yet ready to push herself further,  however she was truly inspired by so many that surfed that day as she watched from the shore and she vowed to return.  Fast forward a year later Kathleen accomplished a dream, to experience the pure joy of surfing and riding a wave in.

The team at Surf For All is kind, caring, compassionate, and capable. Everything was designed to make my sister’s life easier and to add to her experience. From the specialized wheelchair and the staff that took her from the boardwalk to the shore. To the crew that encouraged her along the way,  and the group that got her into the ocean and through the breaking waves and than finally to the team including Mike who held her carefully and securely and found the perfect waves for her to ride in so many times that day.

I haven’t seen a smile like that on my sisters face and on my whole family’s face because of my sisters face, in a very long time. It was a beautiful day in every way.

A sincere thank you to everyone who gave Kathleen a hug, a lift, offered words of encouragement, a high five, a push, and to a person everyone made her feel brave, proud, and excited. I wish my family could personally thank everyone we met that day but we truly appreciate this opportunity and experience. Thank you to Jeanine and to the whole team at Surf For All for an unforgettable and life changing afternoon.