On Friday, members of the Rip Curl Pro water patrol were asked to go for a surf with Barney Miller.
Barney has goals to surf many spots around the world during his life, and he won't let ANYTHING stop him from achieving his goals. Last December he surfed Sunset Beach, Hawaii, and now Bells Beach presented a new challenge of wearing a 4/3 steamer wetsuit in the cool waters. Barney is also a quadriplegic.
2x World Surfing Champion Mick Fanning took a few hours out of his busy schedule to push Barney into some long rides along the shallow Bells reef. Turns out Mick and Barney are mates and have surfed at different locations around the world. 
While Barney relies heavily on his fantastic equipment- a co-designed Darren Handley Surfboard and customised Rip Curl wetsuit and Personal Flotation Device.
However, his mental strength and determination is truly inspiring- floating up from wipeouts at the end of each ride- not being able to swim- with a huge smile across his face. Barney had just ticked the box of surfing another one of his dream waves.
As I stood in the shallows with the sharp reef scratching my feet and a small shore-break wave crashing through my fingertips, I imagined what it would be like to never feel that again. Don't take anything for granted, make the most of what we have been given.
For more information on Barney Miller; his story, adventures, charity and the Barney Miller Classic surfing competition click here.
Photo credits to Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach.
