Blind surfer stuns locals at Queensland beach
Steve Fox is legally blind, but it has not stopped him catching waves while travelling up the east coast of Australia and competing abroad.
Steve Fox, a national para surfing champion, has captured the attention of locals at Agnes Water, a beach town in Queensland. Despite being legally blind, the 60-year-old from Gerringong, New South Wales, has proven his skills while visiting the coastal community. Surfing Australia is advocating for the inclusion of surfing in the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, recognizing the growing popularity of adaptive, or para surfing.
Using specialized equipment and modified surfboards, Fox navigates the waves with the guidance of local instructor Shayne Silver. Fox lost his sight around ten years ago due to retinitis pigmentosa, but he has adapted by relying on the ocean's movements and sounds. With the help of Silver and other surfers, Fox demonstrates the inclusivity of para surfing, encouraging others in the blind and vision impaired community to give it a try.
Silver expresses enthusiasm about working with Fox and hopes to see more individuals with disabilities participating in the sport.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
