Inspiring Brazilian blind surfer Derek Rabelo hosts workshop with Glenelg Surf Life Saving Club

Blind Brazilian surfer Derek Rabelo is here to entice SA to take up the “best sport in the world” — and famous singer Rachael Leahcar is among those heeding his inspiring call.

Blind surfer Derek Rabelo has surfed the world’s best breaks with the likes of Kelly Slater and Mick Fanning.

His real passion though is doing what he did at Glenelg on Saturday morning — introducing others to the sport that’s changed his life.

The 27-year-old Brazilian teamed up with Surf Culture and the Glenelg Surf Life Saving Club to host a workshop for young blind and vision impaired clients of the Royal Society for the Blind, and he hopes that some of the will catch the bug permanently.

“It’s amazing to be in the water, and only people who have surfed can know that feeling,” Rabelo said.

Derek Rabelo and Rachael Leahcar — at Glenelg Beach for Royal Society for the Blind surfing event Saturday June 15, 2019. Picture: AAP/Mike Burton

“Only they can know what it is to be riding a wave, to be getting a barrel — it’s the best sport in the world. I hope some of the people today go on to become surfers — the world needs more surfers.”

With the help of Slater and other top pros Rabelo, who was born blind, has surfed many of the world’s most thrilling and dangerous waves, including Pipeline and Jaws in Hawaii and Nazare in Portugal. His next challenge is the shallow and potentially deadly Teahupoo in Tahiti.

“Sure, it’s a little bit scary but it’s such an amazing feeling,” he said.

“The sound of the barrel, the feeling of being in there, all of those senses combine to create an incredible feeling and a sense of accomplishment. But to be able to use my story as a blind surfer to be able to inspire people and encourage them to do the impossible, that’s what’s really important to me. If I was only surfing for myself I think I would feel a little selfish, but to be able to use it to encourage kids and adults to do the impossible, it’s just wonderful.”

For vision impaired youngsters Isaac McInnes, 10, and Eve McKenzie, 17, on Saturday was their first attempt at riding waves.

Rachael Leahcar wipes out in the weedy shorebreak. Picture: Mike Burton

“I’m excited, but I think I’m gonna fall in a few times,” Isaac said.

Eve said she’d tried snow skiing, but wasn’t sure how she’d go on a surfboard.

“I’ve been wanting to surf for years, and I think what Derek does is really cool,” she said.

It was also the first time surfing for famous Adelaide singer Rachael Leahcar, if you don’t count a primary school excursion.

“It was fantastic, so much fun,” Leachar said.

“I caught a few waves and stood up at the end. I’d love to come back in the summer and do more lessons. I feel like I’ve really connected with Derek, not just because of our sight loss but also because of our philosophies in life — we want to catch all the waves we can.”