Amanda Parezo, an occupational therapy assistant professor from Philadelphia, has embraced adaptive surfing as part of her rehabilitation and advocacy following paralysis from a 2021 shooting. Despite being unable to navigate sandy beaches independently in her wheelchair, Parezo has found renewed purpose through events designed for people with physical disabilities, including "They Will Surf Again," hosted by California-based nonprofit Life Rolls On.
Five years after being shot in Olde Kensington, Philadelphia, which left her paralyzed from the waist down, Parezo participated in the New Jersey surfing event aimed at enabling individuals with mobility impairments to experience the ocean. Using specially designed surfboards offering increased stability, she overcame initial fears about balance and movement on the water. Volunteers provided immediate assistance whenever she fell, allowing her to fully engage in the sensations of riding waves—an experience she describes as providing relief from chronic nerve pain.
Parezo’s journey toward adaptive sports followed a period of significant adjustment, as she adapted to the challenges of daily life in a wheelchair, including personal care and public accessibility. Once a caregiver herself, the transition to becoming a patient required a process of mourning her previous abilities. However, she has since become a vocal advocate for accessibility and inclusion, using social media to highlight barriers and reporting issues to local authorities.
In 2024, Parezo notably raised awareness about accessibility shortcomings within Philadelphia’s Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) system. After encountering an elevator outage at a subway station without appropriate signage or updates on SEPTA’s app, she documented her experience in an Instagram video. The post garnered significant attention and prompted SEPTA to engage with her concerns. The transit agency is currently investing over US$700 million to improve accessibility across its rail stations.
Beyond advocacy, Parezo also competes in events like the Ms. Wheelchair USA pageant, where she represented Pennsylvania in July and was named first runner-up. She received awards recognizing her educational efforts and inspirational impact. Additionally, she serves on the Pennsylvania Governor’s Advisory Commission for Women and incorporates her lived experience into teaching occupational therapy students, offering unique perspectives on patient care.
The adaptive surfing event “They Will Surf Again” was founded 25 years ago by Jesse Billauer, a quadriplegic who sought to share the sense of freedom he discovered after his own injury. This year’s event in Wildwood, New Jersey, hosted about 150 participants, including children born with spinal cord injuries. Parezo hopes that the visibility of older disabled surfers will inspire younger participants to recognize the possibilities beyond physical limitations.
“There are no limits to what we’re able to do,” she said, underscoring the transformative power of adaptive sports and community support in her ongoing recovery and advocacy work.