In January 2025, during a trip to Fuerteventura to explore its inclusive activities, sports, and beaches—and to finally meet some of the locals working on accessibility I had been in contact with online—I interviewed Pilar Beneito, founder of the adaptive surf school .

Originally from Argentina, Pilar discovered her passion for surfing in the cold waters back home before traveling the world in search of waves; she eventually settled in Fuerteventura, where she combined her love of surfing with a background in social work. This blend of passions inspired the creation of Fuerte Tribu, an adaptive surf school dedicated to inclusion and personal growth through the connection with the sea.

On a relaxed afternoon at - which has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and excellent food (highly recommended), we chatted about adaptive water sports and accessible beaches in both Italy and Spain, and Pilar shared her story along with some tips for parents looking for a sport for their kids (with and without disabilities).

Eleonora (E): Pilar, can you tell us about your beginnings in surfing and how you ended up in Fuerteventura?

Pilar (P): I started surfing in Argentina, where I was always deeply connected to the sea. Back then, there were very few women in the water, so I was lucky to be part of that scene early on. Surfing opened my eyes to a whole new world and sparked a desire to travel in search of waves. That’s how I discovered this little spot in Fuerteventura. Along the way, I saw all kinds of surfers and realized the potential this sport has—not just for fun, but for personal development. I also pursued social work training. I always say I created a “fusion” between my surfing passion and my studies, and that’s ultimately what led me to start Fuerte Tribu.

E: You mentioned your early plans for Fuerte Tribu were “philosophical.” What do you mean by that?

P: In the beginning, I had a very idealistic vision of the project, focusing on how surfing could serve as a tool for inclusion and community building. When I first proposed certain ideas, people would say, “You need something more concrete; it can’t be so philosophical!” Over time, we learned to present our adaptive surf programs more practically and build them step by step. But the heart of it remains the same: connecting people to the ocean in a way that changes their perspective on what’s possible.

E: How did you get involved specifically with adaptive surfing?

P: I was already working with kids who had diverse needs—some of my friends would bring their children to me for surf sessions. Then Mariona (Masdemont, of ), who had her own adaptive surf company, came to Fuerteventura, and I got to collaborate and learn from her. Before that, I was in Santander training at a place that’s very well-known for adaptive surfing. I also volunteered with a group called Disfrutar del Mar, working with children with autism. All of these experiences helped me see surfing as a very powerful inclusion tool.

I love a phrase I once saw in Brazil: “Más vale na praia que na rua” (“Better on the beach than in the street”). It resonated with me because surfing is so much more than just buying a new board; it’s an experience that opens doors and fosters independence.

E: Tell us about the Fuerte Tribu team. How did it grow from just you into a larger organization?

P: Over time, we gathered more people—some came and went, but now we have about eight or nine core members. Rafa, for instance, was one of the very first to join; we’ve been working together for more than 10 years. He knows exactly how to manage each participant’s unique needs, how to communicate, and how to keep things safe and fun in the water. I used to spend a lot of time in the water as well, but these days I focus more on the management and organization side, also balancing family priorities. There’s a whole backstage element—handling schedules, parent communication, logistics—that is vital to making sure our programs run smoothly.

E: You mentioned you also work with unaccompanied minor migrants. How does that connect to adaptive surf?

P: Many of these kids arrive by boat in very vulnerable circumstances, often without family or community support. Our volunteering program helps integrate both people with disabilities and those from at-risk communities. The young migrants learn to surf, spend time at the beach, and get to know other youth in a positive environment. It’s a big step toward building friendships and breaking down social barriers.

E: You work with both children and adults of varying abilities. Is there any particular type of disability or need that is best suited for surf therapy?

P: Honestly, it depends on each person’s goals. Surfing, or just being in the water, can benefit people with sensory, intellectual, or physical disabilities. The ocean itself is therapeutic—just reaching the water and experiencing the waves can be transformative, especially if someone once thought it impossible. For kids, surfing can promote independence and responsibility for their own bodies. If you start young, you help build neural pathways that make day-to-day life easier. But adults also benefit; it’s not just about standing on the board. It’s about feeling the flow and the ocean’s power, and that can boost confidence in any part of life.

E: What would you say to parents—or even adults—who are afraid to try adaptive surfing?

P: I’d say trust trained professionals and know that we move forward gradually. Many times, the children themselves show more eagerness than the parents! They’ll say, “Take me to the water!” while mom or dad worries. But with an experienced team, there’s really not much to fear. We prioritize safety and meet each person where they are.

We also have families where the parent might have a disability, and the child does not—or vice versa—and we surf together. The ocean becomes a unifying space, and it’s beautiful to watch. Nobody walks away with less than they started with—everyone gains something.

E: How do you handle specialized equipment, like adapted boards?

P: We adapt our surfboards depending on the individual’s needs. Local shapers (surfboard craftsmen) help us design boards that might be wider or have a more pronounced rocker (curvature) to handle certain mobility requirements. We also use things like flotation noodles (the pool “noodles”), life vests, helmets, and balancing aids on land. We may do warm-ups and balance games before entering the water, so people get used to how their bodies feel on the board.

For us, surfing isn’t just about standing up; it’s about learning to glide on the wave and experiencing that moment of flow. That sense of communion with the water is what really empowers people.

E: Going back to the philosophical aspect mentioned earlier—could you elaborate on why “flow” or “communion” with the water is so central?

P: Surfing puts you in a medium that isn’t natural to us—water. You have to find your balance even while lying on the board, which forces you to become more aware of your body’s position. When you feel that equilibrium and the board starts to glide, you realize you’re working with the ocean rather than against it.

It’s almost metaphysical, but it’s grounded in physical reality. You have this moment where everything aligns—your body, the wave, the board—and it’s incredibly empowering. That sense of oneness is what keeps many of us hooked on surfing, indepently from our physical capabilities.

If you want to learn more about the adaptive surf programs or volunteer opportunities with Fuerte Tribu, you can find them in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, more information on .

My name is Borja González, and I’m the founder of Gastronomía Accesible, the first guide to accessible restaurants and gastronomic establishments in the Canary Islands.

This project began in the simplest way: by putting myself in the shoes of people with disabilities. It made no sense to me that a person, whatever their disability, shouldn’t be able to enjoy gastronomy in the same way as everyone else. That’s why, more than three years ago, I started this project by visiting over 300 establishments. Our mission is simple yet crucial: to spread awareness, provide training, and share information so that everyone can find an accessible resource at the click of a button—without facing unpleasant surprises.

A Warm Welcome in Fuerteventura

Fuerteventura is known for its hospitality, its winds, and the welcoming spirit of its people (often referred to locally as majoreros and majoreras). This eastern island of the Canary Archipelago offers an awe-inspiring beauty that leaves no one indifferent, along with a cuisine that keeps traditional flavors very much alive.

Yet something was missing from this wonderful mix—a hotel for everyone, a beautiful, spacious, and inviting place designed so that people of all abilities can move about freely and independently. That’s exactly what Hotel Taimar has achieved. With universal accessibility as its hallmark and a caring, attentive staff, it has become a true reference point on the island of Fuerteventura—an oasis of peace on an island that captivates from the very first moment.

Don’t Miss Lajares

The town of Lajares has its own unique identity; anyone looking to truly discover Fuerteventura should make it a mandatory stop. And what better way to recharge than at La Panateca de Lajares? It boasts a spacious terrace, outstanding service, and complete accessibility.

Its access ramp is perfect, and the counter area is wide enough to clearly see all the products on offer—ideal for anyone who wants a stress-free, inclusive experience. (and they have lots of lactose free and gluten free options too!)

Our Commitment

At Gastronomía Accesible, we are at the service of all people, companies, and institutions committed to making the world more accessible and inclusive.

Feel free to follow our progress on Instagram (and soon on our website):

Borja González, Founder of Gastronomía Accesible

During my trip to Fuerteventura in January I sat down with Mariona Masdemont, co-founder of the NGO Play and Train. We spent the morning at the , which is a Hotel and Co-Living for digital nomads that features a number of accessible rooms and apartments - and an accessible co-working space - located in the popular surfing spot of Corralejo. We talked about the association’s work promoting inclusive sports for kids and adults with disabilities—both on the island and beyond. I also had the chance to take part in one of their activities on the beautiful Grandes Playas beach, with a mixed group of children (some with learning disabilites and some not) and watch their wonderful work live, wich was a really cool experience.

Hi Mariona! Can you start by telling us what Play and Train is all about?

Yes! Play and Train is a non-profit organization we founded in 2008, initially in La Molina in the Catalan Pyrenees. The goal was to offer inclusive sports activities for people with disabilities—starting with snow sports like skiing and snowboarding. Over time, we expanded to the Canary Islands, where we now run programs in Fuerteventura focused on water and nature-based sports. In both places, we aim to offer fully accessible experiences for individuals, families, and groups. Not just one-off activities, but entire environments where people with disabilities can come, train, relax, and connect.

What kind of sports can people practice with Play and Train in Fuerteventura?

In Fuerteventura, the focus is mainly on surfing, swimming, paddleboarding, handbike and even dancing. We also work with people who have more experience in these sports and help them train further, or just enjoy the sport in a supportive setting. We make sure every person gets the right support and materials, whether it’s their first time in the water or they’re already experienced. If it’s someone’s first contact with the sea, we take them to a calm, safe spot to get started gently. There are also some Paralympic sports people can try while visiting the Canary Islands—like paracanoe, para triathlon, para swimming, table tennis, and para rowing—though we work more with canoeing than rowing here.

You also mentioned that Play and Train supports professional development. Can you tell us more about that?

Yes! One of our most important programs here in Fuerteventura supports employability for people with disabilities. Right now, we’re working with around 120 people from all over the island. Every week, we offer training, coaching, and support to help them develop their skills and find jobs. Given the island’s economy, we often help them connect with the tourism sector—hotels, restaurants, or local businesses that are open to creating inclusive job opportunities. Some positions are seasonal, others are short-term, but it’s a valuable step toward independence and confidence.

What inspired you personally to get involved in this work?

I’ve been close to adaptive sports for a long time. I started as a ski instructor and later became a guide for a blind skier. After that, I worked as a coach and eventually joined the International Paralympic Committee, first time in Torino 2006, then for the Vancouver 2010 Games, and then in results management for Sochi 2014.

That experience showed me how powerful sport can be—not just for fitness, but for identity, growth, and social connection. So when we founded Play and Train, together with Silvana Mestre, we knew we wanted to create something that offered both inclusion and excellence.

Do you have any favorite places in Fuerteventura that you love to share with visitors?

Of course! Grandes Playas in Corralejo is one of the top ones—beautiful, wide beaches and great waves. I also love El Cotillo, especially for its amazing sunsets. The sea here is a treasure, and the beaches are fully equipped for persons with mobility needs.

Last question—what’s your vision for Play and Train in the future?

We want to continue building spaces where people with disabilities feel fully welcome—not just for a day, but for a whole holiday, a training week, or even a longer stay. Whether it’s with family, friends, or on their own, we want them to feel empowered, connected to nature, and inspired. We also aim to keep developing our training and employment programs, and to collaborate with more local organizations so inclusion becomes part of the island’s everyday life—not an exception.

Want to know and maybe try one out on your next holiday? Find out all about their activities and get in touch directly! The association also runs an - check it out for your next holiday.