HONOLULU (KHON2) — AccesSurf empowers people with disabilities through accessible beach and water programs. It was inspired by Duke Kahanamoku’s spirit.
Founded in 2006 by Mark Marble and Rich Julian, the organization started modestly with a few trucks and duct tape.
The first “Day at the Beach” event was held in December 2006. Key volunteers like Ann Yoshida, Rich Julian, and Jeff Hepfer have remained active, achieving significant milestones such as Paralympic participation and leadership roles in adaptive sports.
AccesSurf’s flagship program, “Day at the Beach,” steadily grew under Mark Marble’s leadership, forming partnerships with Make-A-Wish Hawaiʻi and establishing permanent beach access.
“We’re proud to say that much of this original group is still very active with us, all these years later, and many have gone on to great things,” said a spokesperson for AccesSurf. “Ann Yoshida went on to become a Paralympic athlete at the Rio Olympics. Rich Julian has gone on to compete in adaptive surf competitions around the world, inspiring countless adaptive surfers.”
In 2011, “Wounded Warrior Day at the Beach” was introduced, providing healing ocean experiences for service members. By 2012, AccesSurf became Hawaiʻi’s first Paralympic Sports Club.
In 2014, Cara Short became Executive Director, driving rapid growth and international recognition.
“Jeff Hepfer is still one of our key leaders – running our Swim Clinics and is active on our Leadership Committee,” added the spokesperson. “Chris Courtois has been the head coach of the Hawaiʻi Adaptive Surf Team. Mark Matheson has become a leader in adaptive prone paddling, completing the prestigious Molokai to Oʻahu crossing several times.”
The organization played a pivotal role in the 2015 World Championships for Adaptive Surfing and established the Hawaiʻi Adaptive Surf Team. AccesSurf’s annual adaptive surf competition at Duke’s OceanFest became a premier event.
Today, AccesSurf hosts over 40 events annually, with a volunteer base of over 900, providing 2500 ocean experiences each year. Committed to inclusion, AccesSurf creates a supportive community for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
AccesSurf’s Adaptive Surfing Clinic is a quarterly program where volunteers help a small group of participants improve their surfing skills. With only 4-6 participants per clinic, AccesSurf volunteers offer personalized coaching on wave riding, equipment and techniques.
“AccesSurf is thrilled to announce The Hawai’i Adaptive Surfing Championships, set to
take place from May 13 to May 16, at Queens Surf Break in Waikīkī,” said a spokesperson for the event. “This event, hosted by AccesSurf, marks the second stop of a global tour organized by the Association of the Adaptive Surfing Professionals (AASP).”
The Hawai’i Adaptive Surfing Championships will bring together more than 100 adaptive surfers
from around the world who will be competing in nine divisions to showcase their incredible talent and spirit.
“It’s a celebration of resilience, athleticism and inclusivity within the surfing community,” said the spokesperson.
The event is meant to highlight the achievements and capabilities of adaptive surfers while promoting inclusivity and accessibility in water sports.
You can click here for more information on the championship.
“The event serves as a testament to the dedication of organizations like AccesSurf in empowering individuals with disabilities through ocean recreation and therapeutic instruction,” said the spokesperson.