Surfing Okanagan Lake a ‘super unique experience’ for paraplegic man

Published 10:04 am Wednesday, October 14, 2026 By Brady Ursel/Kelowna Capital News A paraplegic man in Kelowna recently rode Okanagan Lake’s waves on a hydrofoil board, promoting Halo EFoils’ latest design. ​The Kelowna-based company captured a video of the experience with Rex Hawthorne for their YouTube channel, showing what’s possible with the Halo Phantom.

​“Days like this are why we do what we do,” said Halo EFoils’ founder and CEO Carey Missler. ​“Watching Rex get out there with the crew, progress on the board and experience that first wake was beyond epic. It was about the people, the energy, the support and sharing something unforgettable together.” ​Hawthorne was on the lake with other riders, learning the board for the first time while those close by watched his progression across the day.

​These boards are like a powered surf board, allowing riders to “fly” above the water using an underwater mast, wings, and propeller. ​“Once I found my sweet spot, I found the board super stable, super easy to get up on. It was a fun ride.

I’m not going to lie, that was a super unique experience, and ultimately for me, that’s the goal,” said Hawthorne. ​While making these boards, Halo also provides rider education programs and training in Kelowna.