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Who is Alvin Bayona

Alvin Bayona (Álvaro Bayona) is an elite athlete with paraplegia, adaptive surfing pioneer in Spain, and founder of the Alvin Bayona Foundation. With 3 world bronze medals, 1 team gold, and over 10 years promoting adaptive water sports in Barcelona and Catalonia, he has turned his personal experience into a platform for inclusion and visibility for people with disabilities.

How did Alvin Bayona start in adaptive sports?

After a spinal cord injury that caused paraplegia, Alvin decided not to give up the ocean. In 2015, he began experimenting with adaptive surfing in Zarautz (Basque Country), his homeland, and quickly moved from rehabilitation to high performance. That same year he founded the Alvin Bayona Foundation to facilitate access for other people with disabilities to water sports.

What sporting achievements does Alvin Bayona have?

Alvin has achieved 3 bronze medals in world adaptive surfing championships (ISA World Para Surfing Championship) and 1 team gold medal. He competes regularly in paraplegia categories (prone) and represents Spain in international events. His record also includes the title of European Adaptive Surfing Champion.

Why did he create the Alvin Bayona Foundation?

The foundation was born to break down real barriers: lack of adapted equipment, technicians without specific training, and limited visibility of inclusive sports. Alvin designed the first proprietary aquatic chairs, trains sports technicians, and organizes sessions, camps, and events in Barcelona, the Basque Country, Galicia, and Andalusia. The mission is clear: that disability is not a limit to surfing, SUP, kitesurfing, or wakeboarding.

Recognition and media presence

  • More than 50 reports in national and international media.
  • Participation in 15+ countries in championships and inclusion events.
  • Speaker at adaptive sports and personal growth conferences.
  • Technical advisor to other federations and adaptive surfing organizations.
  • 1000+ people impacted by foundation programs.

Preguntas frecuentes

Was Alvin Bayona born with a disability?

No. Alvin acquired paraplegia after a spinal cord injury. Before the injury he was an athlete and ocean lover. After rehabilitation, he decided to stay connected to the ocean and sports, which led him to adaptive surfing.

Where does Alvin Bayona live?

Alvin lives in Barcelona, where the foundation's main headquarters is located. His family is originally from Zarautz (Gipuzkoa, Basque Country), where he began his adaptive surfing journey.

How can I meet Alvin or attend a foundation event?

The foundation organizes adaptive surfing sessions, camps, and events in Barcelona and other cities. You can write to info@fundacioalvinbayona.com or from the contact page to learn about dates and locations.

Is Alvin Bayona still competing?

Yes. Alvin continues to compete in national and international adaptive surfing championships when his schedule with the foundation allows. His goal is to inspire and open doors, not just win medals.

What education does Alvin Bayona have?

Alvin is a sports technician specialized in adaptive water sports. He has received training at the Institut Guttmann (reference center for spinal cord injury rehabilitation) and collaborates with universities and sports training centers.

Want to learn more about Alvin's journey?

Discover the full story, events, competitions, and the foundation's daily work on our journey and blog pages.