Adaptive Pirate Campers Never Say Never

Brad Kendell grew up sailing and fishing.

He also had a passion for flying that he got from his dad.

After graduating from USF in 2003, Kendell was working on flight time and ratings while pursuing a career path as a pilot when he was involved in a terrible plane crash.

He was able to escape from the burning plane, but unfortunately lost his father, a friend and both his legs above the knee.

After a long recovery time, Kendell regained his strength and his ability to walk again with the help of prosthetic legs and support from friends and family.

And he still has his love for the sea.

Kendell is an eight-year member of the U.S. Sailing Team competing at the Paralympic level. He likes to reach out to new amputees and their families in an effort to show life is full of adventures.

Which is what lead to the inaugural Never Say Never Pirate Camp offering amputee children, along with friends and family, ocean appreciation, sailing skills and responsible boating practices Oct. 6-7 at the Clearwater Community Sailing Center.

Upon completing each course, the soon-to-be-swashbucklers move from swabs to first mates, graduating as Never Say Never Pirates. 

The camp offers certified sailing instruction as well as water sports, hands on activities and regatta races at the Clearwater Community Sailing Center, 1001 Gulf Blvd.

For more:

clearwatercommunitysailing.org

neversayneverfoundation.org

piratesofthecarefreebeing.com

sailabilitygreatertampabay.org