Blind Spanish surfer conquers world championships, sets sights on 2028 title
Sometimes circumstances overwhelm me emotionally, and I feel like giving up. Yet, I remind myself that there is always one more wave to ride in the sea. In that vast expanse, I find a freedom that eludes me on land.
- 4 months ago
July 27, 2024
Carmen López is a blind surfer from Spain who has won four medals at the Adapted Surfing World Championships and several at Spanish championships. | Photo courtesy of Carmen López
ASTURIAS, Spain — Born with congenital glaucoma [a rare genetic disorder marked by large-appearing eyes, cloudy corneas, excessive tearing, and hiding from bright lights], I experienced low vision from an early age. Throughout childhood, as my vision deteriorated, I underwent multiple corneal transplants. At night, anxiety riddled me as I worried about waking up unable to see. Sadly, that fear became a reality at eight years old. On that fateful morning, I awoke to a world of shadows.
As I lost my vision completely, I clutched on to the vibrant memories I had and to the shapes I created in my mind. However, what followed felt hellish. At school, friends turned away from me, labeling me a burden. Even some of my teachers treated me like an obstacle to progress, leaving me isolated. One day, a group of students attacked me – kicking, laughing, and spitting mercilessly. As a result, I nearly lost a kidney.
At home, I locked myself in my room and cried silently, hoping to go unnoticed. Then, at 12 years old, I participated in a volunteer day and it changed my life. I discovered surfing among children with intellectual disabilities, which ignited an unprecedented passion and a thrilling escape from my blindness.
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Young girl overcomes blindness, bullying, and depression with family support and sports
Growing up, being blind presented immense challenges. The situation worsened when my classmates decided to make my life miserable. The harassment, teasing, and insults soon escalated to beatings, and I no longer wanted to attend school.
Eventually, I reached a breaking point and shared the painful story with my mother. Immediately, she approached the school authorities, hoping they would help. We felt disbelief when they minimized the situation and instead, labeled my mother as overprotective. My mother left that meeting full of grief.
An overwhelming sadness engulfed me, plunging me into a deep depression. I believed my differences were my fault, and that thought caused me great distress. The desire to end my own life consumed me and I struggled to cope. After enduring this torment for some time, I eventually switched schools and managed to complete my studies.
All this time, I loved sports. My parents encouraged me to try new things and never placed obstacles in my path, despite my severe condition. Their support made a significant difference. While I found it difficult to overcome depression, my family, therapist, dog, and involvement in sports got me through.
At three years old, I began horse riding, and by six, I took up figure skating and cycling. I remained determined to adapt to my life with the support of my loved ones. Their unwavering encouragement and belief in my abilities proved crucial. Consequently, their steadfast support became the key to overcoming many obstacles in my life and ultimately achieving independence.
From early waves to championship dreams: surfer finds new training coach
When I turned 12 years old, I began participating in volunteer days with children who had intellectual disabilities. During one of these outings, we went surfing. As I entered the sea and submerged myself, I felt the water caressing my body. The first wave felt like the best moment of my life. I enjoyed the movement and balancing on the board. It gave me the sensation of having a superpower. The experience excited me, and I immediately connected with the person who guided me on the board. He encouraged me to keep surfing as long as I could.
For two years, I attended surf camps with a coach. Surprisingly, people overlooked my blindness; they only discovered it on the last day. Instead, they focused on how I surfed, and I felt like one of them. Unfortunately, in 2015, my coach moved away, and I stopped for a time, struggling to find someone willing to teach a blind girl.
After three years, my passion reignited when I attended an adapted surfing event. I learned about the sport, its mechanics, and the competitions. As someone who enjoys competing, the adrenaline rush from that event left me exhilarated. In time, I gained insight into the sport, and became determined. I set my sights on training for the upcoming championship in California, just two months away.
At the event, I met Lucas Garcia, an exceptional multi-champion surf coach. Despite having no experience with blind individuals, he agreed to give me 10 lessons, and if they went well, we would continue. The key difference between conventional surfing and surfing for someone with low or no vision, like me, is that we rely on a guide. Hence, Lucas becomes my eyes in the water, selects waves, and signals when to paddle.
Surfer wins bronze and gold medals at world championships through innovative whistle system
Navigating the waves with Lucas proved challenging. Lucas never worked with a blind surfer before, so we embarked on a joint learning journey. Initially, he shouted instructions over the crashing waves, but the roaring sea drowned out his voice. Therefore, we needed a better way to communicate. Finally, together, we devised a system of whistles.
When I rode a wave, Lucas stood behind me, ready to signal. One whistle meant left, two meant right, and a long whistle signaled that I should bail off the board. Lucas selected the waves carefully, and I listened intently. Over time, I learned to interpret their movements and sounds. I could manage the foam, but I depended on Lucas to handle the silent, unbroken waves. When I finally caught that perfect wave, I soared as if I stood in the heart of a magical dream.
Two months later, I became the first Spanish woman to compete in the World Adaptive Surfing Championships. As we entered the water, an incredible energy surged through my body. We battled the waves, and eventually, I stood on the podium, proudly wearing the bronze medal. This unforgettable feeling marked the beginning of my journey.
Following my victory, the National Surfing Federation invited me to the 2020 World Championships. Despite the COVID-19 Pandemic, I trained relentlessly and arrived in California. As I rode the waves, I felt as If I was soaring, immersed in an enchanting dream. When I emerged from the water, I knew I performed well and expected to finish in the top five. Astonishingly, when they announced the results, they called me out as the gold medalist. I felt stunned. Tears ran from my eyes as they hung the medal around my neck. That incredible moment is etched in my memory forever.
From training session to a six-year journey: surfer’s bond with coach transcends blindness
Lucas and I began with a single training session of 10 classes, but our relationships evolved into a six-year journey. The bond we developed is beautiful. Our shared sense of humor plays a key role. What I deem most important is that we genuinely enjoy our time together during training. We laugh along the way, which deepens my love for the sport of surfing. At the core, he treats me like any other athlete.
My bond with Lucas transcends the coach-athlete relationship; we have become true friends. We know we will be there for each other when needed. This mutual trust makes us an exceptional team. In this sport, I rely on Lucas as my eyes because everything he tells me is accurate. My blindness does not define our relationship.
At the moment, I am preparing for the World Championship, scheduled for 2028 in Los Angeles. The training demands intensity and effort, but I know there is still a long road ahead. Sometimes circumstances overwhelm me emotionally, and I feel like giving up. Yet, I remind myself that there is always one more wave to ride in the sea.
In that vast expanse, I find a freedom that eludes me on land. People see me as more than just the blind girl; I focus on how I surf and what I achieve in the water. Inside those waves, I am Carmen – the embodiment of my dreams becoming real. I believe that dreams become real when we dare to believe in them. It happened to me, and now, at sea, I surpass my limitations.
