Matt and Mariya have been a crucial part of our AccesSurf ‘ohana for many many years. They are incredibly strong both in and out of the water and their passion to help others shines through our community! They are both calm and patient with all our participants which truly allows our AccesSurfers to have the best experience possible. Mariya is always kind enough to donate her acupuncture services to our fundraisers so definitely check her out! We would not be where we are today without their love and support! We are also very thankful for Kai, Matt’s son, as he paves the way for young AccesSurf volunteers. We appreciate all your help Kai!
Tell us a little about yourselves
Mariya:
Aloha! I’m Mariya. I was born and raised in Bend, OR. Learned how to surf on the Oregon coast, eventually realized how cold the water is there and moved to Hawaii. I own and practice acupuncture at Kailua Acupuncture Clinic. Surfing is my number one hobby, why I moved to Hawaii and what has connected me with many of the closest people in my life, such as Cara and my bf Matt. 🙂 I also paddle outrigger, occasionally SUP, enjoy yoga, long walks on the beach, eating a good meal after a good surf sesh, traveling, meditating, hanging with friends and family, etc.Matt:
I grew up in Florida and fell in love with surfing there. I work in the evenings, so it gives me the opportunity to play during the daytimes. I enjoy spending quality time with my son Kai and girlfriend Mariya, and just about anything outdoors, especially on the water.
How and when did you start with AccesSurf?
Mariya:
I heard about AccesSurf through Cara. Not exactly sure what year that was. Probably shortly after she got involved. Several moons ago.Matt:
I first heard about AccessSurf 15 years ago when my friend starred in the commercial that ran for years — she was the one who woke up late for the day at the beach, lol. I always admired the organization, but really got started in earnest when I met Cara Short through Mariya during Covid. I’ve been an active volunteer ever since then.
What does AccesSurf mean to you?
Mariya:
Accessurf means an amazing community of like-minded, goodhearted, fun-loving, ocean-enjoying people.Matt:
AccessSurf is the opportunity to give back to our community and spend time with fantastic people of all sorts. It is the opportunity for me to give back to surfing, which has brought great joy in my life. It is also the opportunity for me to expose my son to people who may not have the same opportunities we do, and teach him respect for all of our fellow humans.
What is your favorite AccesSurf memory?
Mariya:
The first one that pops into my mind is doing water safety at Sandy’s for a surf comp several years ago when my brother from another mother Justin was competing. Justin has since passed away but one of the waves he caught, he put his arms in the air and really claimed it. It was awesome and fortunately someone got a great pic of it too (see attached). I think Meira may have been out there tearing it up as well. I also must add that any time I see Buster it makes me smile and is always so inspiring, he’s such a charger (hi Buster if you’re reading this) !Matt:
My favorite AccessSurf memory is seeing the parents of a severely disabled young man overcome with joy while their son was out surfing with us, talking about how they could simply relax and enjoy being parents for once while their son had fun. In the meantime, the participant was having the time of his life!
Anything you want to say or share with our AccesSurf ‘ohana?
Mariya:
To all the people that work for and volunteer with AccesSurf, mahalo for all that you do. It always fills my heart to be involved with such an amazing organization that is so dedicated to its community of water-loving people, both locally and internationally. Any time my schedule allows for me to volunteer my faith in humanity is renewed -now if I could just get you guys to do events on Sundays instead of Saturdays (a work day for me) that would be great. And to the participants, you all are amazing as well, mahalo for being so adventurous and for allowing us to be a part of your adventure.Matt:
AccessSurf volunteers are awesome, selfless people! Go get wet!!
