Surf’s Up-Bow-Wow
A disabled surfer and dog are riding the waves of success.
Need an example of why you should take the word “can’t” out of your vocabulary? Meet an unusual surfing duo in quadriplegic teen Patrick Ivison and a service dog flunky named Ricochet.
Together, they have turned their personal setbacks into “can do” triumphs as they amaze people with their surfing prowess and determination.
Surf’s Up-Bow-Wow!
“I ride on my stomach and Ricochet stands behind me and despite having to straddle me, she does a great job balancing and counterbalancing the board,” said Patrick. “I’ve learned to trust her and we surf well as a team.
“My main goal is to being able to walk across the stage at my high school graduation to receive my diploma,” he remarked. “I’ve got 2½ years of training to accomplish this. I just remind myself that I can’t swim, but I can surf. If you put your mind to it, anything is possible.”
See Patrick and Ricochet ride the waves together.
Check out Ricochet’s surf AND music video!
If You Go:
STAY
Shorebreak Hotel, 500 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648; (714) 861-4470.
PLAY
Huntington Dog Beach
Surf City Surf Dog Event; 1st annual event held Oct. 11, 2009
TIP BIT
Adaptive Surf Foundation, How you can help: make a donation to the Surfin’ for Paws-abilities nonprofit group.
SIDEBAR
Cleo Hangs 20
Adventure-seeking terrier mix enjoys first surfing lesson. Our dogs never cease to amaze us. When I rescued Cleo from the streets four years ago, she was a skinny, scared canine. Today, she is full of life and confidence and eager to ride another wave of success. Hang 20, Cleo!
Catch Cleo’s first surfing lesson on YouTube.
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