Blind surfer stuns locals at Queensland beach

Blind surfer Steve Fox has left locals in Agnes Water, Queensland, stunned with his impressive skills on the waves. The 60-year-old para surfing champion from Gerringong, New South Wales, is legally blind but that hasn't stopped him from embracing the sport. Surfing Australia is advocating for surfing to be included in the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, and they are calling on Steve Fox to inspire others with disabilities to give surfing a try.

Steve Fox, a national champion, has been competing in para surfing for years after losing his sight to retinitis pigmentosa as a child. He now relies on his instincts and the guidance of local instructor Shayne Silver to ride the waves. Silver explained that Steve listens to the ocean's movements and the direction of the wind and swells to navigate the water. "He relies on the movements of the ocean, which way the wind is blowing, which direction the swells and the sounds are coming from," said Silver.

Instructor Silver expressed his admiration for Steve's abilities, saying, "What he does is something really, really amazing." He is eager to work with more people with disabilities to encourage the sport. Surfing Australia has established a Para Surf Committee with the goal of including surfing in the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, highlighting the growing popularity of adaptive surfing.

Steve Fox is actively promoting the sport, encouraging more people in the blind and vision impaired community to give surfing a try. He believes that it is good for the spirit and soul, and that anyone, regardless of their disability, can enjoy the sport.