Disabled surfer rides academic waves of success

Despite being born with a physical disability, 17-year-old Nathaniel Bailey has never allowed his limitations to prevent from experiencing and enjoying life.

Bailey, who is a wheelchair user, was born with a condition called arthrogryposis which causes contractures or stiffness in the joints. But that did not stop the teen from joining the national surf team, representing Jamaica three consecutive years, while ranking 13th among more than 30 competitors annually.

"Surfing wasn't something that was planned. Surfing was a Friday night call that turned into a really great journey," Bailey said, explaining that the vice-principal of Jamaica College (JC) asked him if he could pass on his number to the national team coach. The coach was seeking to start a para-surfing team.

"They were saying that they'd like for me to try out for the surfing team and I was like para-surfing? I'm a handicap! I can't stand up to surf so how am I going surf?" But the brave teen later decided to give the sport a try and instantly fell in love.

"Being in the water is like an experience of fresh air, because when I'm in the water, I can't think about anything else but the water. It's one of the few moments when I feel totally normal because I can do anything you can do," Bailey said, adding that it is also physically therapeutic because it helps to exercise his muscles.

Bailey hopes to one day teach other disabled people how to surf, so they can experience the joy and freedom he does.

"It doesn't matter if you can't see, you can't walk, if you have cerebral palsy. It doesn't matter, everybody should have the experience," Bailey said. He noted that in December, when the waves are calmer, he intends to start a programme to teach interested disabled persons how to surf.

In addition to being a surfer, Bailey, who graduated from JC a week ago, also has an entertainment business called Kripx Entertainment, an idea that came to life because he loves a good party and realised he could profit from them. He also has plans to pursue a profession in cybersecurity because he believes there will be a market for it in the future.

"The world is more technologically advanced which means cybercrimes will be higher five, 10 years from now, and being that I feel like cybersecurity companies are not prevalent in Jamaica, it will allow me to, one, make money, and two, educate young students about the importance of being safe on the Internet," Bailey said.

The teen also told THE STAR that over the years he has learnt to live life to fullest, never allowing his disability to hinder his joy or success.

"I believe life is what you make it and I chose to make it the best that I can with my condition. I don't let anything trouble mi, I don't let anything bother mi, I just live to the best of my ability," Bailey said.

"My core team for Kripx Entertainment can tell, sometimes they forget that I'm in a wheelchair. Like they'll say 'Yow Kripx, yuh nah come up the stairs?' and I'll be like 'Yow, wheelchair, I can't' and they'll say 'Sorry bro'. But the reality is I don't move like I have a disability," Bailey added.

He also advises persons living with disabilities to follow in his footsteps and never forget that although they are limited to some capacity, they are capable of great things.

"First of all, only you can tell yourself that you are incapable of doing something, and two, use me as an example. Once you put your mind to it, you can do it. I put my mind to doing well in school and graduating. I graduated, I put my mind to starting a teen-owned and run company; I did it and if I can do it, you can do it too," Bailey said.