At Arizona Adaptive Water Sports, we constantly witnessed the profound difference a passionate volunteer can make in the lives of others. But when two such individuals come together to share their talents, vision, and compassion, the impact is truly extraordinary. Kelley and Jason Marsh, the inspiring duo behind Soulcraft, are shining examples of what happens when dedication meets innovation.
Introducing Kelley & Jason Marsh of Soulcraft
A Defining Moment: Soulcraft's Transformation
Kelley and Jason Marsh took over Soulcraft in 2019, a boutique wake surfboard company that has since risen to prominence under their leadership. Soulcraft quickly became a driving force in the wake surfing world, celebrated for its craftsmanship, innovation, and inclusivity.
The turning point for Soulcraft came when Kelley and Jason were introduced to adaptive athletes and saw firsthand the barriers they faced in pursuing their passion for wake surfing. Inspired by the determination and resilience of these athletes, the Marshes began collaborating with Arizona Adaptive Water Sports and other organizations to develop adaptive wake surfboards tailored to each athlete's unique needs.
Their efforts were groundbreaking. By combining cutting-edge design with a heartfelt commitment to inclusivity, Kelley and Jason created opportunities for athletes with disabilities to thrive on the water. Their boards have empowered adaptive surfers to compete and excel in a sport that had once been out of reach for many.
The Soulcraft Impact: Stories of Transformation
The Marshes' commitment to adaptive athletes has transformed lives, as seen in the stories of Kim Kolstad and Jordan Koeninger—two surfers who embody the power of possibility.
Kim Kolstad's journey into adaptive wake surfing was driven by her lifelong pursuit of independence and growth. As Kim explains:
"My lifelong pursuit has been independence and self-sufficiency. This drive found a new outlet when I discovered adaptive wake surfing. It quickly became a passion, largely because it offers continuous opportunities for growth. My potential was evident early on when I placed third in the adaptive division of a world competition. However, my progress was hampered by the lack of a properly fitted board. Recognizing my potential, Jo Crawford connected me with Soulcraft. They dedicated themselves to understanding my needs, taking precise measurements, assessing my balance, and carefully studying my abilities. Within months, I had my own custom-made wake surfboard—a beautiful purple creation! Since receiving this board, my skills have truly taken off. I've progressed to the point where I can release the rope and confidently ride in my 'sweet spot.' Now, the possibilities feel limitless. I'm eager to compete again and strive to become one of the world's best female-prone surfers. I'm deeply grateful to Soulcraft and Jo for believing in me and empowering me to achieve yet another level of independence."
For Jordan Koeninger, Soulcraft's dedication brought a similar transformation:
"A few years ago, Soulcraft offered to design and build a custom wake surfboard for me, which is my own personal board. Getting the custom board changed my ability to wake surf. Being an adaptive surfer, I've always had to hack and repurpose regular surfing equipment to meet my physical needs. Never has a board company come to me and said, 'Hey! I think we can build something specific for your surfing style.' Soulcraft did, and it's been huge. I received my first custom board from SoulCraft a few weeks before the 2023 Wild West Wake Surf Comp. The board allowed me to surf at a level I hadn't imagined possible. I took first place in the competition and a few more since then because SoulCraft took the time and had the heart to create a custom wake surfboard just for me. To this day, I'm still blown away that I get to ride my own custom Soulcraft board. The Soulcraft Board family has taken care of me, and I'm super grateful!"
These stories highlight the skill and innovation behind Soulcraft's boards and the profound empathy and care Kelley and Jason bring to their work. They see beyond the challenges and focus on the potential, creating opportunities for athletes to thrive and inspiring others to dream bigger.
Kelley and Jason: Volunteers Who Go Above and Beyond
Kelley and Jason Marsh embody the true spirit of volunteerism, going above and beyond in every way to support Arizona Adaptive Water Sports. Not only do they dedicate countless hours to promoting competitive adaptive wake surfing, but they also bring their personal boat to events, ensuring athletes have access to top-tier equipment. Their expertise as wake surf coaches is unparalleled, as they work tirelessly to guide and inspire athletes to reach their fullest potential.
Their coaching sessions are more than just skill-building—they're transformative experiences that instill confidence, independence, and a sense of achievement in adaptive athletes. Kelley and Jason's unwavering support has empowered many to compete at the highest levels, proving that anything is possible with the right tools and guidance. Their generosity, dedication, and belief in the power of adaptive sports continue to inspire our entire community.
Aligning with Arizona Adaptive Water Sports' Mission
At Arizona Adaptive Water Sports, our mission is to provide inclusive opportunities for people of all abilities to experience the joy and freedom of water sports. Kelley and Jason's work with Soulcraft perfectly aligns with our goals. By designing boards tailored to individual needs, they've made it possible for adaptive athletes to participate in wake surfing and thrive.
Their contributions go beyond creating equipment. The Marshes' involvement has helped foster community and support within the adaptive sports world. By collaborating with organizations like ours, they've shown what's possible when passion and purpose intersect. Their work inspires our volunteers, donors, and athletes to push boundaries and reimagine achievable goals.
Inspiring the Future
The Marshes' impact doesn't stop at the water's edge. Their dedication to adaptive athletes and the broader wake-surfing community serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of innovation and inclusivity. They've created a ripple effect, inspiring others to contribute their time, resources, and talents to help individuals of all abilities experience the freedom of water sports.
Join the Movement
The work of volunteers like Kelley and Jason Marsh demonstrates the incredible impact that passion and dedication can have on a community. But their work isn't possible without the support of people like you.
If Kelley and Jason's story have inspired you, we invite you to get involved. Sign up to volunteer and help make water sports accessible to everyone. Your time and dedication can change lives.
If you can't volunteer, consider making a donation. Every dollar helps us keep our boats fueled, our athletes safe, and our mission alive. Together, we can continue creating opportunities, fostering independence, and inspiring greatness on the water.
Visit our website today to learn how you can make a difference. Let's keep the waves of possibility rolling for adaptive athletes everywhere!