A few days ago, three-time adaptive surfing world champ Jesse Billauer recognized the 28th anniversary of the surfing accident that changed his life at the age of 17.
Since then, he’s kept surfing and has become a father, motivational speaker, and founded the Life Rolls On Foundation
Then there’s Owen Stewart, the teenaged adaptive athlete in the video below who’s just as commited to doing what he loves, which now includes surfing.
Related: Adaptive Surfing Champ Talks Life-Changing Accident in Emotional Post
According to the video above, Owen was born with a severe form of spina bifida, a condition that affects the spine and nerves.
But Owen loves sports, and he hasn’t let his condition get in his way. He plays basketball and tennis and competes in swimming, track and field.
Earlier this week, Owen caught his first wave in Waikiki—and loved it.
Owen had help from Kamalu Rosa, a Waikiki adaptive surf instructor with the Star Beachboys who’s also known as “King” Kamalu.
“The ocean is healing. I want everybody to come learn. I have no limits. Especially if you can’t swim and you’re scared. I can help you,” Rosa told KHON2.
Rosa grew up watching his grandmother teaching students with disabilities in Waianae, which inspired him to work with kids too.
“If I see them coming on a wheelchair or they’re in Waikiki, I offer them to come on a board and maybe to get a wave. And most of the time, the answer is ‘no.’ But the few times we get to go out like today, it’s very worthwhile,” Rosa said.
Owen’s got a message for the world:
“Don’t give up in life and continue finding things that you can do instead of saying you can’t. Just try new things and see if it sticks.”
Press play above for the rest. You’ll be stoked you did.
And who knows? If surfing “sticks” for Owen, maybe one day we’ll see him dominate the adaptive surfing circuit like Billauer.
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