In Pacific Beach, a surfer who was paralyzed following a tragic accident has made a triumphant return to the waves, thanks to a remarkable adaptive surfboard that has facilitated his recovery.

Collin Bosse, an alumnus of San Diego State University and a former youth surfing competitor, suffered paralysis from the chest down after a headfirst dive into shallow waters in 2023 altered the course of his life.

Despite the severe spinal cord injury, Bosse has managed to reconnect with the ocean, employing the innovative surfboard to aid his journey back to the sport he loves.

“The ocean has always been my sanctuary, my happy place,” Bosse shared with ABC10. “Being there brings me a sense of peace and empowerment.”

This significant development coincides with the third anniversary of his accident, a day Bosse refers to as his “third alive day.”

“It’s my third alive day, a celebration of life,” he said. “For me, it’s a day filled with gratitude and love, symbolizing the unwavering support of my family, friends, and support team.”

When asked to describe his journey in one word, Bosse said: “Confident.”

In a GoFundMe campaign launched to help cover ongoing medical expenses, Bosse says, “I don’t know if I will get as close to where I was before the accident in terms of surfing. But I will 100% surf again. There’s no doubt in my mind.”

His days now include hours of therapy and personal care in the mornings and afternoons. By night, he’s attending his classes at University of San Diego with the help of family members.

Bosse enrolled in graduate business classes in fall 2024 and is preparing to graduate with a master’s degree in business administration from USD in May.

“I always wanted to push myself more a little further than I thought was possible,” he said.

“Makes me feel like I can do anything, motivated for the future,” Bosse added. “Everything that’s happened gives me a unique perspective, and that is a powerful thing going forward.”

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