This month’s spotlight is Richard Julian from Honolulu, Hawaii! Rich received an Active Fund for a handcycle a few years ago and one recently for a waveski. A waveski is a type of surfboard that is navigated from a seated position with a paddle. Rich has been surfing on an adaptive surfboard for over 25 years and still competes on the Adaptive Surfing Professional tour. This new waveski, he explains, will have a stronger and more custom build.

Born and raised in Hawaii, Rich was brought up surfing by his father. After his accident, he wanted to find a way back to surfing. “That is where adaptive surfing and AccesSurf was created,” he says. Rich and his community created AccesSurf to provide access for all people with disabilities to the beach and ocean. Since then, AccesSurf has expanded around the globe and has been a major player in the growth of the worldwide sport of adaptive surfing.  “Continuing to do the things I loved as a child is what has given me purpose in life.”

Rich describes himself as “an old pro in the adaptive world.” He played professional tennis from 1987-2026 and reached the top 20 rankings in the US. Rich also does recreational and competitive handcycling, outrigger canoe, basketball, and swimming. 

Among Rich’s accomplishments, he didn’t stop at surfing and tennis. When he first received his handcycle, handcyclists were not permitted on the course in the Honolulu Marathon. Rich advocated for the rules to change, and after many years of advocacy, the race organizers changed the rules for the 2024 marathon. “I was the first to complete the course on an adaptive handcycle,” he shares.

Rich also raises service dogs and puppies for the Assistance Dogs of Hawaii for other wheelchair users. Above all else, “I am passionate about helping others regain their ability to be active after the onset of injury,” he says.


Aloha!