Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Championship
Expertise: Logo Design, Poster Design
About: The Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Championship (HASC) is a premier event that celebrates the skill, resilience, and spirit of adaptive surfers from around the world. Hosted annually in Waikīkī, it brings together a global community to compete in the birthplace of surfing.
The logo design for the Hawai'i Adaptive Surfing Championship is a clean, modern mark that honors the cultural significance and origins of surfing in Hawai'i. Inspired by the courage and determination of adaptive athletes, the design embodies both strength and resilience through its bold yet refined aesthetic. Elements of the Hawaiian flag are thoughtfully integrated as a subtle tribute to the islands, recognizing Hawai'i not only as the birthplace of surfing, but also as a place deeply rooted in community, heritage, and aloha. The streamlined nature of the logo reflects clarity and momentum, symbolizing the progressive spirit of the event while staying grounded in tradition and respect for the ocean and its people.
The event is organized by AccesSurf, a Honolulu-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through accessible beach and water programs. With a mission grounded in inclusion and the spirit of aloha, AccesSurf creates safe, welcoming spaces that break down barriers and open the ocean to everyone. Their work has been instrumental in building a global adaptive surfing community and in creating life-changing opportunities that celebrate ability, resilience, and the healing power of the sea.
Each year, the poster designs for the Hawaii Adaptive Surfing Championship draw inspiration from the iconic Waikīkī surfline—one of the most historic and recognizable breaks in the world and a place deeply tied to the roots of surfing. By using the unique shape, flow, and rhythm of the Waikīkī surfline as a visual foundation, the posters celebrate not just the sport, but the place where it all began. This recurring motif connects the event to its cultural home while allowing each year's design to evolve with fresh energy. The surfbreak serves as both a graphic element and a storytelling device, symbolizing movement, progress, and the powerful relationship between adaptive athletes and the ocean.
Photo by Mark Holladay Lee
Photo by Christina Redmond
Photo by WBell Photography
