Imagine riding the waves of the Pacific, not just for thrill, but as a journey to self-discovery, freedom, and community. For Emily Purry, a blind surfer from Oregon, the ocean is her sanctuary—a place where she’s defied limits and found her voice. And now, she’s making waves on Team USA Para Surfing, proving that barriers are meant to be broken. But here’s where it gets inspiring: at 40, Purry discovered adaptive surfing, and since then, she’s become a powerhouse advocate for accessibility in outdoor sports. How did she go from navigating Oregon’s rugged, chilly coastline to preparing for her debut at the U.S. Open Adaptive Surfing Championships in Oceanside, California? That’s exactly what this week’s episode of Peak Northwest dives into.
Hosted by Chiara Profenna, the podcast shines a spotlight on Purry’s remarkable story. But this isn’t just about surfing—it’s about resilience, confidence, and redefining what’s possible. Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll uncover:
- How Purry found her passion for surfing later in life and the life-changing lessons it’s taught her.
- The nitty-gritty of adaptive surfing: From relying on a guide to catch the perfect wave to the teamwork that makes it all happen.
- The rise of the adaptive sports community and how organizations like AmpSurf are opening doors for athletes with disabilities.
- Why celebrating adaptive athletes matters—and how you can rally behind Team USA Para Surfing.
But here’s the controversial part: Is the world of sports doing enough to embrace inclusivity, or are we still just scratching the surface? Purry’s story challenges us to think bigger. And this is the part most people miss—adaptive sports aren’t just about overcoming physical challenges; they’re about reshaping society’s perception of ability.
Listen to the full episode of Peak Northwest to hear Purry’s journey in her own words. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Now, we want to hear from you: What does Emily Purry’s story make you rethink about ability and limits? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep this conversation going!**
Chiara Profenna is an Advance Local Media fellow covering religion, faith, and cultural connections for The Oregonian/OregonLive. A University of Portland graduate and former DEI editor of The Beacon, her work highlights stories that inspire change.
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