Waikiki surf instructor helps 13-year-old adaptive athlete catch first wave

HONOLULU (KHON2) — Grabbing a board and hitting the surf isn’t easy for any beginner and for those with physical disabilities, surfing can seem unattainable. One 13-year-old boy shows us anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

Owen Stewart was born with a severe form of spinal bifida, but his condition didn’t stop him from living his best life. He’s been part of a wheelchair basketball team, competitively swimming, playing tennis, and running track and field. Now, he’s gotten a taste of his first wave on Tuesday morning.

Owen’s parents, Joshua and Reyna, said they were ‘terrified’ for their son when they first learned of his diagnosis. According to Reyna, their family worried about his quality of life and what he could and could not do.

“We didn’t know what to do and what our lives were going to be like from there on out [but] we’ve adapted and it’s turned out to be great,” stated Joshua.

Despite his physical disability, Owen is just a typical teenage boy dealing with the challenges of growing up and looking to have more fun. He never let himself give up especially with the coaches and instructors supporting him.

“Don’t give up in life and continue finding things that you can do instead of saying you can’t,” said Owen. “Just try new things and see if it sticks.”

Kamalu Rosa, a Waikiki adaptive surf instructor with the Star Beachboys, taught Tuesday’s surf lesson. He’s been teaching since 2018 and locals know him as ‘King’ Kamalu.

“The ocean is healing. I want everybody to come learn. I have no limits. Especially if you can’t swim and you’re scared. I can help you,” stated Rosa.

Rosa grew up watching his grandmother teaching students with disabilities in Waianae. Seeing the impact she had on kids inspired him to work with keiki as well.

“If I see them coming on a wheelchair or they’re in Waikiki, I offered ’em to come on a board and maybe to get a wave. And most of the time, the answer is ‘no,’ but the few times we get to go out it’s very worthwhile,” said Rosa.

Owen said he wants to become a therapist or a professional basketball player when he grows up.

“He’s continued to show us more and more things that he can do, things that we didn’t expect him to be able to do,” said Joshua.

For kids like Owen and anyone else living with a disability, it’s about knowing you can before believing you can’t. That’s the motto Owen thinks all people should live by whether they have a disability or not.