Amputee surfer from Pismo Beach becomes qualified member of surfing Team USA

The founder of a Pismo Beach organization that teaches amputees how to surf has qualified as a member of the United States Surfing team.

Dana Cummings is a left leg below knee amputee and founder of the AmpSurf program based in Pismo Beach.

The 49-year-old grew up on a farm in rural Maine and dreamed of coming to California as a child.

In 1989, the now-surfer joined the Marines and was stationed in California, also serving in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

When he lost his left leg in 2002, Cummings decided to begin to surf. He has been surfing competitively since 2004 and won the title of West Coast Champion in 2011 and 2019.

He decided to start the AmpSurf, Learn to Surf Program based in Pismo Beach to teach others with disabilities how to surf and “Focus on Abilities.”

Cummings is set to compete at the Hawaii Adaptive Championships in Oahu, The English Adaptive Open in England, and the Welsh Adaptive Championships in Snowdonia Wales. He will also compete in the World Adaptive Championships, location to be determined.

To learn more about Cummings or the AmpSurf program, visit their website.