New Milton surfer Zoe Smith loving life on the water

NEW Milton-based surfer Zoe Smith is riding the crest of a wave ahead of her bid to win gold at Surfing England’s International Para Championships.

The world number two para-surfer in her category is part of the England team, and she hopes to compete at the 2028 Summer Paralympics in LA, California – if the sport is approved, as is expected.

Former Brockenhurst College student Zoe, who lost her leg in 2015 as a passenger in a car accident, can often be seen training on local beaches.

However, competing is expensive, and the self-funded athlete and current British number one is looking for sponsorship opportunities to help her with her dreams and aspirations of winning.

After the accident, Zoe underwent several reconstructive surgeries to save the limb, but eventually, there was nothing left to do but amputate.

Zoe, who moved to New Milton from Bournemouth in 2022, said: “I grew up bodyboarding but decided to take up surfing in 2021. I saw a hashtag for an amputee surfer on Instagram, so I started following him. Honestly, I couldn’t believe an amputee could surf like he does.

“Initially, it was tough as I didn’t have a water leg, so I was super slow and struggled to pop up. It was like surfing with an anchor attached to your body.

“However, I’d not been surfing long when I was approached by a couple of individuals from the England team and Surfing England to see if I’d like to join the England team. I accepted and was ecstatic and totally overwhelmed at the same time.”

After Surfing England’s International Para Championships in July, Zoe will start the Para Surf League tour, a professional adaptive tour with the grand final in Northern California.

Then, in November of this year, she will surf at the International Surfing Association (ISA) world championships at Huntington Beach.

She added: “Surfing, I think, is an expression of playing. It’s exhilarating, fun, and creative and always leaves you wanting more.

“As an amputee, I get a sensation of weightlessness and freedom riding a wave that I sometimes feel I’ve lost on land.

“When I lost my leg, I never would have imagined I could swim in the ocean, let alone surf, so the sense of achievement is amazing.

“I appreciate every second of being out there. I feel incredibly blessed.”

One of the most significant expenditures is the need for a specially adapted waterproof prosthetic that does not erode in saltwater and costs around £10,000.

Those interested in supporting Zoe should contact zoe.e.smith@icloud.com – or, to follow her journey, visit her social media handle @zoe_smith_parasurfer