Hello! My name is Phil Musumeci. Founder/Owner of Sol Surfer, and I would like to introduce you to my company and tell you how Sol Surfer got its start. 

 

Back in 1993 I was in an accident that required major back surgery and rehabilitation for over 3 years. Before I had my accident, I was very active surfing, playing drums, weightlifting and other sports. After my surgery every doctor told me that I would not be able to do the same things I loved to do, "especially surfing". I got to the point where I felt very depressed. I also felt that this was something I could not accept, so I decided to take matters into my own hands and began my own rehabilitation. I started swimming every day and after 2 years I was swimming 25 to 30 miles a month.

 

One day my wife told me that I needed to get back in the water and surf, but after 6 years I was reluctant to do so - even though I lived across the street from some of the best waves in          

Santa Cruz, CA. She suggested that I head out to the Hawaiian Islands and get into some warm water and waves. I thought that could motivate me somehow, so we headed over. But I didn't take a board with me thinking that maybe I will, maybe I won't.

 

When we got to the big island we met up with some really good people, especially a friend named Tony. I told him about my injuries, and he told me to meet him the next morning. I met with Tony the next morning and he took me to a very remote spot on the island near the base of a volcano where there were these lava tubes. Tony entered one of the lava tubes, turned to me and said "jump in!" As I was climbing down the lava rock towards the water, he told me how the ocean is very healing and said "Brada, this will baptize you and make you feel better!" So, figuring that I had nothing to lose, I jumped in. Suddenly I had this overwhelming feeling. Apparently, Tony could sense this and handed me a board and said let's paddle out. The first wave that pushed through, and after 6 years of not surfing, was unbelievable - just like riding a bike! I still had it after all that time. It was then that I realized surfing is not something you do, "It's something you live"...

 

So with that experience in mind I began my company Sol Surfer! I try to relate the values that I learned from my own per­sonal trials and how surfing is not only a great sport, but it is truly a lifestyle!

 

Hope you enjoyed my story.