44-year-old visually impaired Matt Formston is an Australian surfer who has won several national and international titles. Along with his counterparts, the champion surfer is ready to take on some of the world’s big waves in Nazare, Portugal. With this feat, Formston will become the first blind surfer to race such big waves.

Matt Formston, the Sydney-born, grew up among a community of surfers. Diagnosed with macular dystrophy as a young child, Formston had poor vision which deteriorated over time. However, lack of sight never stopped him from surfing. Formston began his acquaintance with water at an early age. In a recent interview, he shares his surfing journey and how he views the world not designed for him.

Matt Formston is confident about riding the big waves

The surfing icon has been surfing for 30 years. His father pushed him onto the waves when he was five and “I learned to feel the wave, paddling out the back by sound and feel,” he said. He stood up when he was 10. Formston made every effort to face his fear and enjoy surfing.

As he prepares for the big wave, he expressed his state of mind that he was excited but not in a “reckless way.” Furthermore, he said, “I’m respectful of the danger and power of the wave.” However, he affirmed, “..going into it with fear and hesitation is going to cause more risk than going into it with confidence.”

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Formston has been training for this moment all his life. Regarding surfing bigger waves, he said, “I feel like I’m ready.” Besides, he considers it as a responsibility to motivate others that if he could ride the big waves, “it shows that anything is possible for people with disability.”

Formston finds surfing easier than figuring out how the world is

To many, surfing without sight seems impossible. Formston defines it as surfing at dusk. However, he took a long time to “trust being able to put weight on my front-foot.” He began doing turns only about 10 years ago.

According to Formston, the world is designed without considering the challenges the visually impaired face. Referring to poles, steps, and something on the ground, he said, “There are just hazards everywhere I can’t see.” On the other hand, “In the ocean, there’s none of that,” and he has no stress about hurting himself or someone else.

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What do you think about Formston’s perspective on viewing life with a positive attitude? Share in the comment section below.