Adaptive Surfing Competition

Hi, my name is Ashley Bunting. I am raising funds to compete in the U.S. Open Adaptive Surfing Championship in Oceanside,CA. I was involved in a car accident in 2018 and was told I would never breathe, eat, or walk unassisted again. I was transferred to Craig Hospital, where I became more independent with hard work and determination, now breathing and eating on my own!!

While still in a wheelchair, I have been working HARD to continue to achieve independence and continue doing things I love. I was first introduced to adaptive surfing last November and immediately fell in love. Before my injury, I always loved going to the beach but after my injury not so much. AccesSurf and Craig Hospital introduced me to adaptive surfing and taught me that going to the beach may not look the same but I can still enjoy it. I have also always been a competitor playing many sports but unfortunately after my injury I lost that side of me. Now I am hopeful that I can start competing again!

In May, I competed at the Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Competition and got 4th place. This was my first surfing competition and only my 4th time on a surf board! This was an AMAZING experience and I am looking forward to doing it again. I was able to apply for a grant in which I got my very first board that I can’t wait to use! With your generosity, I will be able to pay for transportation and lodging during the competition.