In 1999, at just 20 years old, Barney Miller was a rising star in the surfing world, well on his way to becoming a professional. 

Everything changed on a rainy Easter Saturday morning. On his way to work as a White Water Rafting River Guide, Barney was the passenger in a car accident that left him with a broken neck. Diagnosed as a complete C6 quadriplegic, he was paralysed from the chest down. Specialists told him he would never breathe on his own, use his right arm, or walk, run, or surf again. 

Those words became the fuel for Barney’s determination. Over the past two decades, he has defied the odds, regaining strength in both arms, mastering breath training to hold his breath for three minutes, learning to stand, and even taking assisted steps. 

In 2017, Barney’s journey came full circle when he competed for Australia in the ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championships. His unwavering spirit and drive led him to be crowned World Champion, bringing home a gold medal for Australia. 

Barney’s story is a testament to resilience, grit, and the power of the human spirit—a true inspiration for the Barney Miller Surf Classic.