Ready, willing and able
By Gretchen Ammerman
Oregon Coast TODAY
Since Duke Kahanamoku was first seen riding a wave on a board that probably weighed as much as a small modern car, surfing has grown to be a popular activity that has even spawned its own lingo and fashion style.
For people that face challenges resulting from limb loss, limb differences or skeletal anomalies, the simple act of riding a wave can have a ripple effect that reaches through other areas of their lives.
“Adaptive sports in general is very important to the community we serve, both mentally and physically.” said Kaci Dolan of Hanger Clinic, a company that makes orthopedic and prosthetic devices. “We see directly how much they can help to empower the people we serve to achieve their goals, especially if their goals are to start or regain an active lifestyle.”
The AmpSurf Learn to Surf Clinic, being held at Newport’s Nye Beach on Saturday and Sunday, July 31 and Aug. 1, provides free lessons and support for anyone who is ready to let the power of the ocean help them focus on their abilities, not their disabilities.
Founder Dana Cummings, a single-leg amputee, said the clinic is open to anyone that wants to come.
“We founded the Association of Amputee Surfers, but we welcome anyone with any disability under the sun,” he said. “Whether they are an amputee, visually impaired, suffer from PTS or have quadriplegia. Whether they served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf war, Iraq or Afghanistan. Whether they are an autistic child or a young woman who has lost a limb to cancer, we’ve helped to bring the healing power of the ocean and adaptive surfing together for an experience that is both mentally and physically one of the best forms of rehabilitation on the planet.”
Himself a veteran, Cummings beat the odds while serving only to become a victim of bad timing.
“I did two tours in the sandbox and came home with no visible damage,” he said. “Then a woman took a U-turn in front of me and I ended up losing a leg.”
This will be the third clinic that Cummings and AmpSurf have held in Oregon since he founded the organization in 2003.
“I had tried to surf before I lost my leg but it didn’t go well,” he said. “When I was in the hospital recovering from my accident I hooked up with a one-legged guy who surfed. I decided to try again and it went much better.”
Cummings’ surf mentor suggested they start a surfing team, but he dreamt bigger.
“Surfing became very important to my recovery and my mental health and I wanted to share that with as many people as possible,” he said. “I figured if a chubby little guy with one leg can learn to surf, anyone can. So I said, ‘Let’s start a surf program, and the team will come.’ We did our first one and no one died so we kept going; now we have chapters all over the world.”
The mission has become even broader as relationships grow with other non-profit organizations with similar aims.
“We had one for surviving spouses,” Cummings said. “That was done through a partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation."
Participants during the clinic can fill any role, from catching a wave to passing out supplies.
“We are looking for anyone in the PNW with any kind of disability that wants to try surfing,” Cummings said. “But we also need people who are willing to come out and provide support. We don’t only need people to help out in the water; if you can hand someone a bottle of water or a towel you can help.”
Dolan said that the AmpSurf clinics are in lock step with the goals of the Hanger Clinic, who, with programs like Ampower, provide support beyond the clinical.
“Our services don’t end at providing the device,” Dolan said. “At Hanger we believe community support is key. Prior to having experienced limb loss, many people have never even interacted with someone else that has been through what they are going through. Everyone benefits from knowing that they belong and connecting with others who have been where they are, and this is a great opportunity for that, so we are always excited for these clinics. People are excited even if they don’t think they’ll be able to ride a wave, although I am confident they will.”
Dolan points to people like Cameron Clapp as an example of a person who refused to be limited by his mobility challenges. Clapp passed out on train tracks when he was a teen and was hit by a high-speed train. The accident resulted in a triple amputation: both of his legs above the knee and one arm just below the shoulder. Now, this poster boy for adaptive sports surfs, skis, runs and swims. He is also a popular motivational speaker and actor.
“I can’t say enough how much these adaptive sports help empower and help people regain
independence and enjoy the things they did before amputation.” Dolan said. "That’s why these events are so important, they give people a way to explore adaptive sports in an environment that is truly supportive, physically and emotionally.”
Hanger Prosthetics was founded in the 19th Century by James Edward Hanger, the first documented amputee of the American Civil War, who was hit in the leg with a cannon ball and underwent the first battlefield amputation of the war. He returned home wearing a prosthesis that was essentially a wooden peg. His dissatisfaction with the limb replacement led him to design and construct a new prosthesis from whittled barrel staves, rubber and wood, with hinges at the knee and foot. The device worked well, and the state legislature commissioned him to manufacture the “Hanger Limb” for other wounded soldiers.
The field of prosthetics has come a long way, enabling many more people to imagine participating in sports like surfing.
“I’ve had so many clients since we’ve been involved with AmpSurf reach out to ask about future surf clinics,” Dolan said. “I was at the last clinic that was held in Oregon, and every single one of the participants was able to ride a wave and the reactions they had were almost indescribable. I’ve been fortunate that in this field, I get to meet people that are inspiring so often. It makes me grateful every day.”
For more information about AmpSurf and to sign up to participate or volunteer, go to ampsurf.org.