The journal.

Long-form notes from Kai on adaptive surfing, recovery, the sport, and the community building it.

Adaptive Surfing

Adaptive Surfing on the Gold Coast: A 2026 Guide

A local's guide to adaptive surfing on the Gold Coast — best beaches, board setups, coaching options and accessibility info, by world champion para surfer Kai Colless.

2026-03-12 · 9 min read
Para Surfing 101

What Is Prone Surfing? A Plain-English Guide to the Prone 1 & Prone 2 Divisions

What is prone surfing? A clear guide to Prone 1 and Prone 2 para surfing divisions, judging criteria, equipment, and the athletes leading the sport in 2026.

2026-02-18 · 6 min read
Recovery

Returning to Sport After an AVM: What I Wish I'd Known

What returning to sport after a spinal AVM actually looks like — written by Kai Colless, who went from AVM diagnosis to world champion para surfer in 12 months.

2026-01-22 · 10 min read
Community

How to Actually Support a Para Athlete (As a Friend, Family, Coach or Brand)

A practical, honest guide to supporting a para athlete as a friend, family member, coach or brand sponsor — written from the athlete's side of the conversation.

2025-11-10 · 7 min read
Travel

The Best Beaches for Adaptive Surfing in Australia (2026 Edition)

A competitive para surfer's honest ranking of Australia's best beaches for adaptive surfing in 2026 — accessibility, wave quality, community and travel logistics.

2025-09-04 · 8 min read