When Brazil's Derek Rabelo surfed the legendary Banzai Pipeline recently, it was a dream come true. But considering that Rabelo is blind, and that he paddled out and rode waves on his own, the feat also was amazing and inspirational (first ride is at 1:00 mark).
As reported last week on GrindTv.com, the waves were not large by Pipeline standards, and Rabelo was assisted by Makua Rothman and other locals who hold sway at the notoriously crowded Oahu surf spot.
But the concept of surfing anywhere without the benefit of sight seems incomprehensible to those who can see, and these were overhead waves at Pipeline, which is renowned for its ferocious power.
Rabelo, therefore, can be counted among those who refuse to let physical limitations prevent them from realizing their dreams and performing remarkable feats.
Here's hoping, though, that he doesn't get the itch to venture down the highway and take on 20-foot Waimea.
Incredible. And you're right, it's incomprehensible that anyone could surf, and surf well, without the benefit of sight. Rabelo is awesome.
[First misread the headline as "Blond surfer travels to Hawaii..." -- oy.]
Posted by: Luisa | Mar 05, 2012 at 07:19 PM