Just before Argentinian pro-surfer, Martin Passeri, was about to paddle out into the surf for his sixth title, he spotted a disabled fan in the stands.
Nicolas Gallegos, 18, had come to watch the surfing competition from the beach. He was paralysed and wheel-chair bound, and immediately caught Passeri’s attention.
Despite being his sixth title, Passeri chose to approach Nicolas and offer to take him out surfing.
He helped the boy onto his surfboard and allowed him to cling onto his back, whilst he rode a few small waves. Although this disqualified Passeri from the competition, he was happy to do it.
“Surfing is sharing the experience of something that has no explanation to it. When you share it, when you can really carry the other person, and see the same smile that you get when you slide over the wave, that’s a new wave,” said the pro-surfer, “The euphoria we both felt on the board was awesome.”
The moment was obviously a special one for Gallegos, as well.
“I’ve always been one to break limits, and now I’ve got limits from the moment I wake up,” said the 18-year-old, “Out of all the places I move around, the ocean is the only place where I’m free.”
