ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. – Many surfers and water sports fans will tell you the ocean has the power to heal. For those who can’t walk or talk, it’s a feeling that might not be as easy to experience.

But an organization called the Adaptive Freedom Foundation is making standup paddleboarding a reality for those on wheelchairs. The nonprofit uses a modified standup paddle board called a WASUP – wheelchair adaptive stand up paddle board – to take people with disabilities out for a ride.

Each paddle is a labor of love for Amy Lagera, the founder of Adaptive Freedom Foundation.

“I feel blessed to be able to do this. I feel honored to be part of this,” Lagera said.

Lagera can relate to what it’s like to have limited to no movement.

“I got hit by a bus. I was hit crossing the street. And I had a brain injury,” she said.

She had to learn to walk and talk again. But eventually she got back out in the water. 

“There’s just that healing power of the water. And to be able to share that with somebody else, that’s what drives me,” said Lagera.

That’s why she started the nonprofit Adaptive Freedom Foundation in 2016 – to share that feeling and sense of healing with people who are wheelchair bound, like two girls who participated in a recent event in Dana Point at Baby Beach. Both girls have Rett syndrome.

One of the girl’s moms, Misty Startup explains, “It’s similar to cerebral palsy and autism put together. So she doesn’t talk, she doesn’t walk. And she requires help doing everything.”

One of the of the other moms says what the organization offer families like hers in the opportunity to take their child out on the water is a chance to pause from everyday life. 

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart, our hearts for doing something so thoughtful that serves such a huge community that quite frankly is marginalized,” said Annie Smith.

AFF hosts events both here in SoCal and in Hawaii about once a month. 

Lagera says even though she’s busy with a full-time job, doing this is really important.

“I know what it feels like to be in their shoes to a small degree. And to have somebody give back to you with no expectations, that’s what this world needs.”

The organization started out helping 10 people with disabilities stand up paddleboard. Fast forward a few years to now, and the nonprofit is on track to help 100 people this year.

It will be hosting its first fundraiser in Hawaii.

For more information, and the opportunity to donate, visit: adaptivefreedomfoundation.org/donate