A Powerful Day of Inclusion, Community, and Accessible Windsports
The Drifter Project Proves What’s Possible on the Water
On Friday, May 14, 2026, something truly special happened on the waters of Miami.
The Drifter Project brought together riders, volunteers, families, instructors, and participants with disabilities for a day that went far beyond watersports. It became a reminder of what the water can do for people when barriers are removed and community comes together with a shared purpose.
With the support of Adventure Sports, Cabrinha, Estuary Brewing Co, E-foil USA and PADL, an incredible crew of volunteers, supporters and participants were able to experience the freedom, excitement, and healing power of the ocean firsthand. From adaptive rides and assisted water sessions to smiles shared on the beach and in the bay, the energy throughout the day was impossible to ignore.
The event was a massive success!
What started as an ambitious idea quickly became something much bigger. The atmosphere was emotional, inspiring, and full of momentum. Throughout the day, participants who had never imagined themselves being able to experience wind and watersports found themselves out on the water, surrounded by encouragement and support.
Watching participants light up as they experienced gliding across Biscayne Bay was a powerful reminder that access to adventure should belong to everyone.
The Drifter Project is built around a simple belief: the water has the power to change lives.
For many participants, this was more than just a fun afternoon. It was freedom. Confidence. Community. It was an opportunity to be included in a world that has traditionally not been designed with accessibility in mind.
We were also joined by pro athlete Lucas Arsenault who shares his story of when an encounter with a tiger shark took his leg. He continues to inspire people around the world with with his impressible story and riding. Lucas was an incredible addition to the team on Friday!
And this is only the beginning.
Following the overwhelming success of Friday’s event, the next step is already in motion.
The Drifter Project is now planning to scale its efforts to Crandon Park in partnership with PADL, with the vision of creating the world’s first fully disability-accessible wind sports facility.
Thank you for everyone that made this possible, a special shoutout to our sponsors!
Here is a list of all our sponsors!
Estuary Brewing Co, Cabrinha Kites, Efoil USA, PADL, Malloy & Malloy, P.L., The Way Forward Foundation, Imagine Surf, Bonner Law, Riley Smith Group, Billskog Construction, Grass River
We could not have done this without you!
#Drifterproject #adventureit
