link loves
loves
Conquering
the Pipeline
D
erek Rabelo is an
inspiration to many as the
blind surfer who rode the
famous Hawaii Pipeline and has
surfed alongside legends Kelly
Slater and Mick Fanning.
The 25-year-old Brazilian, born with
congenital glaucoma and completely
Blind surfer Derek Rabelo says he
knew in his heart that anything
was possible.
not what my challenges were – then everything we try to do with those who
anything was possible,” Derek said. are blind or living with vision loss in our
With a father who is a keen surfer
and two uncles who are professional
important for our community as they
the ocean was always a dream for the enter the NDIS system. Yes, there are
young Derek, but it didn’t happen until challenges, but young men like Derek
he was 17. remind us of just what is possible.”
“My dad gave me a surfboard and
Society for the Blind (RSB) in Adelaide. took me to the ocean and that’s how I
known for the movie Beyond Sight
“Now I just listen and ‘feel’ my way
through the surf. I imagine thoroughly
He shared his story ‘Live your dream, what the sea is. This thing feels to me
make your goals’, at the Norwood like energy and blessings and happiness.
Town Hall in Adelaide, and then shared The best feeling in the world.”
surfing tips with a group of budding RSB Executive Director Robert
young surfers at Adelaide’s Glenelg Dempsey said Derek’s visit was a huge
beach later in the day. coup for the organisation.
I believed in what I could do – and
www.rsb.org.au
learned,” he said.
which highlights his accomplishments.
“I just knew in my heart that if
“Goal setting in particular is so
surfers, being able to join them in blind, was recently a guest of the Royal
Derek is a YouTube sensation best
communities,” Mr Dempsey said.
“We were thrilled to host Derek
who epitomises our attitude in
Derek Rabelo with young Adelaide
surfer Samuel Plaice.
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