Bethany Handley, who grew up surfing in Porthcawl, South Wales, has found a new sense of freedom through adaptive surfing after losing the use of her legs due to chronic illness. Handley’s early life was deeply connected to the sea, learning to bodyboard as a child. However, in her teens, she began developing multiple chronic health conditions, including endometriosis and a connective tissue disorder that significantly weakened her muscles and joints. At age 23, an acute infection resulted in complications that led to paralysis of her legs, and she later became dependent on a feeding tube due to gastric paralysis.

A year after becoming a full-time wheelchair user, Handley received a thoughtful gift from her brother, Leon—an adapted surfboard equipped with shower handles to help her maintain balance and grip. Leon, who was training as an adaptive surf coach, intended to teach her to surf again despite her physical limitations.

Initially uncertain and discouraged by her limited mobility—unable even to navigate her own home easily—Handley’s confidence grew as she prepared for her first surfing session. Choosing Bude, Cornwall, a location where she had spent childhood holidays, she was assisted by Leon and her partner, Harris, in accessing the beach. Because of her feeding tube, precautions were taken to protect it during the outing.

Leon supported Handley in the water, carrying her onto the surfboard and guiding her through the waves. Despite challenging conditions, including messy waves caused by onshore winds, she regained a feeling of strength as she paddled with her arms, experiencing a level of physical empowerment that contrasted with her usual limitations. The wheelchair remained safely onshore, allowing her to move freely on the board.

Handley described the experience as transformative, granting her a renewed sense of independence and joy even amid ongoing health challenges. Though one of the adapted handles broke after her first surf session, she continues to pursue the activity, adapting as needed. She characterized adaptive surfing not as a return to her former life, but a foundation for a new one, offering "radical hope" amid chronic disability.

Her story is detailed in her new book, *My Body Is a Meadow: Finding Freedom in the Outdoors*, which explores themes of resilience and reconnection with nature through adaptive outdoor activities.