I am an avid movie watcher. I’m not a film critic or an aficionado, I just love to go to the movies. It stems from my youth, my brother & I love to take my Dad to action films. If something blows up, he’s in heaven. 
Friday we (Katie & I) went to see a film that didn’t exactly go BOOM, but I was still blown away. I am a sucker for inspirational quotes, motivational sayings, and above all else, stories of triumph. Derek Rabelo has a story that is all of that and more. He left me in awe of what someone can accomplish when they set their mind to it.
The Story
Derek Rabelo was born blind in Brazil in 1992. He has never been able to see the water, but it’s always been part of his life. His father owned a surf shop and by the time Derek was a teenager, he was ready to start taking on the ocean.
His story was picked up by a number of people that were inspired by his determination, lack of fear, and love for surfing. The film documents Derek’s journey from Brazil to California to Hawaii in search of his ultimate goal: To catch a barrel at Pipeline.
Derek and Laird
Along the way, Derek gets to meet and surf with legends like Kelly Slater, Laird Hamilton (who’s 50 and still more ripped than anyone half his age), Bethany Hamilton, Rob Machado, and more. Each of these pros gives him advice on the way to his goal, and each of them are in awe of what he continues to accomplish.
The film has a plot-line that delves into Derek’s faith as a Christian. Like all of us, he goes through good times and bad. It’s how he deals with the adversity that enables him to accomplish what he has in life.
If you can’t tell, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and I would recommend it to anyone, whether you surf or not. Beyond Sight is the name of the film. If you are in Charleston, we saw it at The Terrace Theatre on James Island.
Inspirational Surfing
Derek and Rob
As a Beach Rat and Lifeguard, I spent the first 18 years of my life in or around the water. I know how hard it is to hear the waves coming or to stay afloat when you are temporarily blinded by hair or water in your eyes. But permanently blind???
What Derek continues to accomplish is mind-blowing. He has completely thrown out the notion that he has a handicap. He does not want people’s pity, he does not want someone to make it easier for him. He is playing the hand he was dealt and he is making the most of his situation.
Goals are something I talk about a lot. And there is always adversity when trying to accomplish something big. If there’s no adversity, your goals are big enough!
A while back I asked what you would do if you knew you couldn’t fail. Derek has approached surfing and his life-long goals with this attitude, there is nothing too big for him.
Many of us, myself included, make excuses for not doing things. We let The Resistance beat us. Or we allow ourselves to get distracted. We give in and say, “It’s impossible,” or, “I don’t have the skills.” We take the easy way out. We can all use a little inspiration from Derek and his story.
This kid found a way to surf BLIND. What’s your excuse?
—
If you have signed up for posts by email, I have just switched services so you will be receiving emails from a new system each morning at 9:00 AM. Please check your spam folders and add me to your contacts list to make sure you are getting the messages.
Have a great week!
—
