Blind Brazilian Surfer Derek Rabelo Rides Waves Using Sound

Derek Rabelo, a 34-year-old surfer hailing from Guarapari, Brazil, has been blind since birth due to congenital glaucoma. Yet, he’s carved out a professional surfing career by using a unique method that relies on listening to the ocean and feeling the waves. At the age of 17, his father, inspired by his prayers for Derek to become a surfer and naming him after the legendary Hawaiian champion Derek Ho, gave him his first surfboard and lessons. Despite having undergone four surgeries without recovering his sight, Rabelo told Australian reporters in 2015, "Surfing is in my blood; I always wanted to surf." He now champions diversity in the sport and dreams of surfing being part of the Paralympics. His remarkable story has gained attention from outlets like The Sydney Morning Herald and Bored Panda.