By KATIE DE VERTEUIL
The ever-unpredictable waters of the great ocean prove challenging for the best of surfers.
Brazilian surfer Derek Rabelo takes on this challenge, blind.
Visiting Noosa for the first time last Wednesday as part of Cricks Festival of Surfing, Derek shared his inspiring story with locals before taking to the water at First Point to wow onlookers with his impressive skills.
Derek was born with congenital glaucoma, a condition which left him with 100 per cent loss of sight.
Growing up in a family of surfers and waking each day to the sound of waves, Derek had the dream since childhood, to one day surf the notorious Hawaiian surf break, Pipeline.
He has since turned this dream into a reality, attracting attention on the pro-circuit when he took on Pipeline on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii.
“The first time I surfed was at the age of 17, I managed to get up on the second big wave,” Derek said.
“My dad is the first person to teach me how to surf; he always wanted me to learn.”
Derek explained that he navigates the waves through hearing thm and feeling the ocean.
While the waves of Noosa weren’t much of a match to the power of Pipeline, it was clear by the smile on the young surfer’s face that he was enjoying himself.
“I’ve caught a couple of waves here,” he said.
“Yes, they are much smaller but also much warmer than in Brazil and I’m having a lot of fun.
“It’s the best feeling in the world to be out on the water.”
With his next goal to surf Hawaii’s big wave surfing break Jaws, Derek encourages people of all ages to follow their dreams.
“Live. Believe in yourself, put faith in God and you can achieve anything.”
Derek’s journey to Pipeline has been documented in Beyond Sight.
To find out more, visit www.beyondsightmovie.com.au.
