Liv Stone Interview: Championing Adaptive Surfing with Team USA

By KC SEA Staff

Liv Stone’s Surfing Story

Liv Stone was born with a congenital limb difference—missing her lower left arm above the elbow. Growing up in Pennsylvania, her life didn’t revolve around waves or coastal life. But that all changed when she attended a Bethany Hamilton retreat designed to empower girls with limb differences. It was at that retreat that Liv first touched a surfboard—and something clicked.

“I felt so free out there,” Liv later shared. “It wasn’t about what I didn’t have—it was about everything I could do.”

That single moment sparked a family-wide decision. Recognizing Liv’s passion and potential, her family made the bold move from the East Coast to Del Mar, California, just to get her closer to the ocean. For Liv, it was the beginning of a new life. Surrounded by a supportive adaptive surf community and California’s consistent surf, she immersed herself in training, quickly leveling up her skills.

At just 17 years old, Liv burst onto the international stage by winning her first ISA World Para Surfing Championship. Her competitive fire and technical growth didn’t stop there—she has since earned multiple gold medals and become one of the faces of the global adaptive surf movement.

Team USA Para Surfing and Community

Liv’s role on Team USA’s Para Surfing team is more than competitive—it’s deeply personal. “We have a stacked team,” Liv laughs, referring to her teammates with admiration and humility. From Faith Lennox’s graceful style to Jose Martinez’s fearless charging, the talent pool runs deep. Each team member brings a different story and energy, yet they’re united by a shared mission: to push boundaries and elevate adaptive surfingadaptive surfing.

The camaraderie, mentorship, and shared experience among these athletes are what truly set Team USA apart. Liv often credits Coach Sean Brody, Surf Education Academy’s lead instructor and head coach for the national team, as one of her strongest mentors. Brody, a champion of surf accessibility, brings more than technical coaching—he brings vision.

“Sean’s helped me not just improve my surf technique, but understand strategy, mindset, and heat management at the elite level,” says Liv. “He believed in me before I even believed in myself.”

Adaptive Athlete, Advocate, and Rising Star

Liv’s surf resume reads like that of a seasoned pro. She’s a 3x ISA World Para Surfing Champion, 6x gold medalist, and O’Neill’s first adaptive surf brand ambassador. But beyond medals and podiums, Liv has emerged as a powerful voice for inclusion.

Her message? Disability does not define your limits—passion and hard work do.

From speaking on panels to advocating for better accessibility in surf spaces, Liv is as active on land as she is in the lineup. Her social media presence, outreach programs, and partnerships with nonprofits make her a leading advocate for adaptive athletes worldwide.

“I want every kid with a disability to know they belong in the water, too,” she says. “You don’t have to be perfect to paddle out—you just have to try.”

Overcoming Challenges & Advice for Others

Surfing isn’t easy—for anyone. Add in limb differences, prosthetic compatibility, balance shifts, and gear modifications, and the challenge multiplies. But for Liv, these challenges became motivation.

“I had to figure out how to pop up in a way that worked for my body. I learned to read the ocean with different instincts. It made me a better surfer.”

Her advice to aspiring adaptive athletes? Surround yourself with people who believe in you. Be patient with your progress. And most importantly—don’t compare your ride to someone else’s.

“You’re not late. You’re on your own wave,” she says with a smile.

Expert Coaching at Surf Education Academy

At the heart of Liv’s training is Surf Education Academy, where Coach Sean Brody continues to shape the future of adaptive surfing. Brody brings both competitive coaching expertise and a nurturing, educational style that meets each athlete where they’re at.

At SEA, adaptive surf coaching is not an afterthought—it’s integrated into the mission. Programs are inclusive, personalized, and focused on both skill and empowerment. Whether it’s a young adaptive athlete catching their first wave or a Paralympic hopeful working on technique, the same level of care and excellence applies.

The Academy also uses its experience from coaching elite adaptive athletes like Liv to better teach beginners.“If we can coach Team USA champions,”  says Brody, “we can coach any kid who wants to learn. It’s all about safety, surf science, and building confidence.”

Frequently Asked Questions

💬 How did Liv Stone start surfing?
 Liv’s first exposure to surfing came through a retreat with Bethany Hamilton. From there, she fell in love with the ocean, prompting a move to California where she began training year-round and joined the adaptive surf circuit.

💬 What are Liv Stone’s accomplishments?
 Liv is a 3x ISA World Para Surfing Champion, 6x international gold medalist, and a key figure in the global adaptive sports movement. She also serves as a public speaker and disability advocate.

💬 How does adaptive surf coaching work?
 Adaptive surf coaching combines standard surf instruction with personalized physical, emotional, and environmental support. Coaches use modified equipment, custom techniques, and safety-first planning.

💬 What advice does Liv have for young surfers?
 Liv encourages new surfers to try without fear, find their people, and trust the process. “You don’t have to look like anyone else to belong in the water,” she says. “Just get out there.”

Ready to Be Inspired?

Whether you’re a new surfer, a parent of a child with special needs, or an aspiring athlete, Liv’s story shows that surfing belongs to everyone. At Surf Education Academy, we believe every surfer deserves the chance to connect with the ocean and grow in confidence, skill, and community.

📣 Book an adaptive surf lesson, follow Liv’s journey, or share this blog with someone who needs a dose of real-life inspiration.