Every first Saturday of the month, AccesSurf Hawaii makes water activities on Oahu accessible to anyone with mental and physical challenges.  Dozens of volunteers teach individuals how to swim, surf, float, or just enjoy the water. The setup consisted of lots of surfboards, kayaks, tents, food and beverage, and a long blue carpet extending from the parking lot to the shore break that's used for wheelchair access. It was wonderful to see the kind of passion the volunteers had, as well as the thrill the participants got when they got in the water, which is supposed to be therapeutic for many reasons. The group averages about 70 people per month, including volunteers, and only appears to be growing. My heart really melted when I saw the smiles of the children, in particular, enjoying the beach. I often take for granted how healthy and mobile I am. 

Volunteers assist a special group into the water at Haleiwa's Alii Beach Park.  

Kudos to founder Mark Marble for organizing another great event. Next month the beach day will return to it's regular home at Kalaeloa Beach Park. For more information or to volunteer for AccesSurf, visit www.accessurfhawaii.org.

--RAP