JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Saturday was the 15th year for the Brooks Rehabilitation’s Adaptive Sports and Recreation surfing event at Jacksonville Beach. The event which brings people of all ages and disabilities to the beach and into the waves, an opportunity many wouldn't have without the support of the community.
“You kind of have to figure out how your body’s working out. They kept telling me that my balance was good which is surprising considering I can’t really feel or do anything below my nipple line," Andre Brebion, a participant, said.
It took Andre Brebion months to get back into sports, after a mountain biking accident left him with a spinal chord injury.
“I took a 9-footer and came in nose heavy and broke my neck on the next half pipe, actually here at Tillie Fowler," Brebion.
56 participants hit the waves using adaptive surf boards and with the help over of 200 volunteers.
“There are folks who are significantly challenged either mobility or visually or cognitively, and they put 100% of their trust in these strangers out there in the water and the relationships that they develop are truly transformative," Alice Krauss, manager of Brooks Adaptive sports and recreation, said.
The event goes hand in hand with the Brooks Rehabilitation’s Adaptive Sports and Recreation motto of fun, fitness, and friendship.
“Everything’s new again, everything’s really fun, really safe," Brebion said. "How else would I have done it on my own, to be honest."
Brooks Rehabilitation offers a variety of weekly activities and special events to people of all ages and disabilities. Most activities do not require a fee for participation and include the specialized equipment and instruction. Those interested in either participating or volunteering can reach out to 904-910-9738.