others sit on custom-made waveskis.
Many of the waveskis, including Tuscany’s, are
designed and hand-shaped by Ian Macleod, owner
of Macski Surf Gear. He starts with a large block of
1.5-pound EPS (expanded polystyrene) foam. Using
templates designed to work with the individual ath-
lete’s height, weight, and ability level, he cuts the basic
waveski shape with a hot wire. The shaping is done by
hand; it includes contouring in bottom channels, V’s,
or concaves, and rounding off the top. Macleod blends
in the side rails, a seat, and foot wells. Finally, three to
five fin boxes are added to help the waveski carve and
turn on the waves. The board’s final design and shape
have a huge effect on the ride. A wider board is more
stable, but slower; a deeper seat also adds stability, but
it limits an athlete’s ability to manipulate their hips
and torque their upper body to maneuver a tight turn.
Macleod coats the finished EPS-shaped board in
two layers of fiberglass (adding extra to the seat and
foot wells for strength), then seals it with epoxy resin.
A waist belt and foot strap keep the rider secure and
let them use their paddle to propel and maneuver the
waveski. The waveskis aren’t cheap, starting at close to
$2,000 apiece, but High Fives gives grants to athletes
to buy the specialized gear, and cover other expenses,
like massage therapy, that insurance won’t. This year
they’ve given out over 121 grants so far. The foundation
also covers all the costs of athletes’ travel to one of their
camps (they also have f ly fishing, biking, and skiing
trips). High Fives can accept about half the applicants
they currently receive, but they’re hoping to do more.
“By introducing sport back to these individuals, you’re
creating community,” says Tuscany. “You create con-
nections, conversation. You provide joy.”
AS THE SUN APPROACHES THE HORIZON, MARKING
the end of a perfect day, the athletes paddle in, smiles
across their faces. Today, they surfed. They gather on
the shore for a meal. A campfire has been built nearby.
Sitting around it they ref lect on the day, and on all they
have in common. “You see people come out of their
shell. Maybe they’re not sure who they are anymore.
They thought their injury defined them; now they see
it doesn’t. Something’s been holding them back and
now you get to see who they are as a person,” says Tus-
cany. Over 10 years, High Fives has done that for 237
athletes from 32 states, and the organization is grow-
ing every year. “Healing can happen, you can move
for ward.”
After the camp, the athletes board planes, itching
for the next camp, ready to get back out there. Tuscany
heads home; there is still plenty of work to be done. He
and his girlfriend, Alana Nichols, recently added one
more to their community, son Gunner. It’s another
adventure, and the stoke is high.
December 2019 57