It’s a bright, sunny morning. The air is cool, and the wind is blowing through my hair. I’m a little sleepy, but I am happy. I know it is going to be a great day.

My mom, dad and a crew of old and new friends help me get into my life jacket. Then my mom pushes me in my wheelchair. I lean to the right and drag my hand into the wet, grainy sand as we move closer to a massive body of salty water.

I have always been a sensory kid. I love water. I love the salty ocean waves. I love the feeling of the wind blowing on my face. I love sand. I also love surfing.

Initially, I might cry a little and resist going into the water, but my mom and dad never give up on me because they know that once I am on a surfboard I will have so much fun.

I have been surfing for 8 years. I surf with an organization that provides free surf camps for individuals with exceptional challenges. I was 10 years old when I had my first surfing adventure with them, so many of the amazing volunteers know me and have watched me grow. They know my abilities and they know I am not afraid.

My mom, dad and three volunteers help me onto a board. Once I’m on, I hold my dad’s hand and travel out into the ocean. My dad and the volunteers turn the board around and we wait for the perfect wave. My friend, Ashley, who is one of the veteran volunteers, hops onto the board with me and then we surf!

I see my mom. She is waiting for me on the shore. She cheers for me, shouts my name and shoots a million photos, and then they take me out again to catch the next perfect wave!

I love surfing. It makes me smile.