Surfing with One Hand: How Luke Darby is Redefining Adaptive Sport

Born without a left hand, 54-year-old Luke Darby coaches surfing on Auckland’s West Coast and competes internationally, advocating for a national adaptive surfing pathway.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 30, 2026, 6:07 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

Adapting the "Pop-Up" Technique

For most surfers, the "pop-up"—the explosive move from lying down to standing—requires two hands for stability. Darby has developed a specialized technique that he now passes on to his students at Rapu Adventures. By placing his single hand at the tip of the board’s nose and twisting his body into a stance position earlier in the movement, he has created a method that is often more effective for beginners struggling with traditional balance.

To overcome other physical challenges, Darby uses specific mechanical adjustments:

Paddling: He avoids paddling in circles by pulling his arm through the water directly under the board rather than to the side.

Duck Diving: He pushes the nose of the board down with his hand at a specific angle to dive beneath oncoming waves.

From Motocross to International Competition