The entire world needs to know the story of these three men: Bronson, Muzi, and Edwin. These three came together because of fate and stayed together because of their passion. Together, Bronson, a regular surfer, Muzi, a differently-abled surfing enthusiast, and Edwin, a former lifeguard, achieved a feat that changed all of their lives.

Muzi Fodo, a 35-year-old who had a rift with fortune, used to sit in his wheelchair and gaze at the ocean for hours and days. Nobody spoke to Muzi once, except maybe to throw a sympathetic word or two. But then came along Bronson. The two men became friends, and the rest, as they say, is an epic history that definitely needs repeating.

Paralyzed man goes surfing

Muzi has a rich and emotional history with St. Mike’s. Both the best and the worst thing has happened to him on this beach. In 2013, Muzi saved jumped into the ocean to save the life of a drowning child. His uncle drowned, but the child was saved. Muzi, however, paid a hefty price for this rescue. As a result of the accident, he got paralyzed from the waist down.

One day, after riding the waves at St. Mike’s, Bronson Naude came across Muzi sitting on the beach, staring at the ocean. The first words that came out of Bronson’s mouth after meeting the Muzi were, “Dude, you should be in the ocean surfing.” Bronson might have initially meant this as a joke, but in the end, he, along with another friend, did the unthinkable.

At their first meeting, Bronson and Muzi had exchanged numbers. Two months later, Bronson got a call from Muzi. According to a report by South Coast Herald, Bronson revealed, “It was the 10th year anniversary of Muzi’s accident and he was feeling down.” Bronson knew the perfect way to cheer him up. He gathered his business partner and friend, Edwin (Eddie) Land, and off they went surfing.

Read more: Surfing Dog Once Touched ‘Millions and Millions’ by Teaching Disabled Kids to Surf

Bronson was awed by the bravery and mettle that Muzi exhibited on the surfboard. Muzi even said, “Bro, I forgot that I was crippled for a while.” Eddie was equally moved by the experience. As an old lifeguard, he got to use his professional skills to help bring a smile to Muzi’s face. Initially, there was an adjustment period for the three of them as they figured out how to go about the adventure. Eddie revealed, “It was very nerve-wracking for us, but we now have the feel for it, and can’t wait to take Muzi out again.” Just like Muzi, there are several other differently-abled surfers who have left behind their adversities to live life to the fullest.

The legally blind surfer that rode the monstrous Nazaré waves

Nazaré waves are notorious for being gigantic, with record-breaking waves going as high as 100 feet. On average, the waves can range from 30 feet to 50 feet. Even professional surfers with full motor functions can at times struggle to get it right at this dangerous surfing spot. But Matt Formston, a surfer who has been blind since the age of 5, did it without any hiccups. Formston suffers from Muscular Dystrophy, and the disease had led to the degeneration of his eyesight.

 

For him to effortlessly conquer this treacherous mecca for surfers, is truly an incredible feat. Not only is the Australian a professional Para surfer. In addition to this, Formston is also a former professional Para Cyclist. Formston won gold and silver medals at the 2014 and 2015 UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships. He also represented Australia at the 2016 Rio Paralympics.

Individuals like Muzi and Matt are living lives that are inspirational to the masses. People like these make us believe that no misfortune is big enough that it can’t be overcome with some dedication, hard work, and willpower.

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