I’m Carter Parry, an adaptive surfer, speaker, and advocate for resilience and accessibility. I found my passion for surfing after moving to Hawaii, where the ocean quickly became my place of freedom, joy, and escape from my mounting college coursework!

January 2020, my life took an unexpected turn when a severe case of influenza B led to pneumonia and a series of complications that resulted in the loss of my entire right lung, right leg, and eventually my remaining toes. Spending over 7 months in the ICU, the ordeal included over 40 surgeries, and countless hours of rehabilitation. Doctors gave me a 1% chance to live, let alone without any mental complications.

Surfing had always been a central part of my adult life, and I was determined to return to the sea. Although my “public” disability is my below-knee amputation and toes, I consider my missing right lung to be 80% of my daily challenge. When returning home to O’ahu, I was still on supplemental oxygen. My care team wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to get off completely. Through rigorous training, determination, and the support of an incredible community, I not only got back on a board, but also began competing internationally in adaptive surfing events such as the Japan Open, Australian Pro, and Hawaiʻi Adaptive Surfing Championships. Every wave I ride reminds me of how much the human spirit can endure, recover, and thrive!

Beyond the ocean, I am passionate about sharing my story to inspire others facing challenges of any kind. I work closely with AccesSurf Hawaii, advocating for ocean accessibility and promoting adaptive sports as a tool for empowerment and healing. I also speak publicly about resilience, perseverance, and overcoming adversity, helping people see that limitations don’t have to define their lives, and can even empower them.

My mission is simple: to show that life doesn’t end after loss, to encourage others to find their own ways back to the things they love, and to prove that laughter, courage and determination can take you farther than you ever imagined.