In a compelling segment from ABC News, journalist Adam Harvey delves into the profound friendship between Sam Bloom and Turia Pitt—two women whose lives were irrevocably changed by catastrophic injuries, yet who found solace and strength in each other’s company and a shared love for surfing.
Turia Pitt, once a mining engineer, suffered burns to 65% of her body during an ultramarathon in 2011. Sam Bloom’s life was upended in 2013 when a fall in Thailand left her paralyzed from the chest down. Both faced grueling recoveries, but it was the ocean that offered them a sense of normalcy and freedom. Surfing became not just a sport, but a therapeutic escape—a place where they could reconnect with their former selves and experience unadulterated joy.
Their paths crossed at a surf park in Queensland, where an immediate bond formed. Turia, having read Sam’s book and seen the film adaptation of her story, felt an instant connection. Their friendship blossomed over shared experiences, candid conversations, and a mutual understanding of the challenges they faced. They often joke about their injuries, using humor as a coping mechanism and a way to disarm insensitive remarks from strangers.
Beyond their personal triumphs, both women have channeled their experiences into inspiring others. Turia has become a motivational speaker and author, while Sam has achieved accolades in para-surfing and co-authored a bestselling book. Their story is a testament to resilience, the healing power of friendship, and the unyielding human spirit.