On Sunday, June 22, 2025, I had the privilege of photographing a truly inspiring surf outing in Long Beach, NY an event that stood out not just for its impact, but for its spirit, heart, and resilience. The weather? Let’s call it less than ideal. Cold rain, grey skies, and wind-chopped surf a classic early summer cocktail for the New York coast. But none of that mattered once we hit the water.
The outing was organized by Limb Kind Foundation, a nonprofit that provides support, resources, and empowerment to children and young adults with limb loss or limb differences. Their mission goes beyond mobility it’s about building confidence, promoting inclusivity, and helping individuals realize their full potential through experiences that celebrate strength and resilience.
This surf day was made possible through the collaboration of another incredible organization: Surf for All, a Long Beach-based charity dedicated to making the ocean accessible to everyone, regardless of ability, background, or circumstance. Their adaptive surf programs are built on the belief that the ocean can heal, challenge, and uplift us all.
I’ve had the honor of working with Surf for All for the past decade, documenting their sessions, sharing their stories, and watching their community grow stronger with every wave. Through every kind of weather, they show up and this Sunday was no different.
Despite the stormy skies and choppy surf, the energy on the beach was undeniable. Participants, volunteers, and coaches came ready rain jackets soaked, wetsuits zipped and smiles undeterred. The ocean was wild, but so were the spirits. One by one, surfers paddled out into the grey Atlantic, caught waves, and came back beaming.
We didn’t need perfect weather. We had community. We had courage. We had waves.
This wasn’t just a surf session it was a celebration of inclusion, empowerment, and the power of coming together. And if you ask anyone there, they’ll tell you: it was one of the best days of summer.
Gear Used
Camera: Sony a9 / Seafrogs Water Housing
Links for all of Jay’s commonly used photo gear!
