Pegleg Bennett has spent a lifetime defying limits. Born with a birth defect that led to the amputation of his foot as a baby, he was determined not to miss out on the surf scene in Cornwall. Using NHS-issued beach legs and later modifying his own prosthetics, he taught himself to ride waves with one leg and has since conquered some of the world’s toughest breaks. Today, thanks to cutting-edge gear made of carbon fibre and titanium, Pegleg says his surfing has reached an entirely new level.
His journey is now part of a major exhibit celebrating 100 years of surfing in Cornwall, featuring Pegleg’s boards, memorabilia, and the prosthetic that helped him start. He’s also inspired the next generation of adaptive athletes through events like the Surfing England Para Surfing Roadshow, and remains a proud member of Team England’s para surfing community—currently ranked seventh in the world. Though para surfing narrowly missed the 2028 Paralympics, hopes are high for its debut in Brisbane in 2032. For Pegleg, the mission is simple: keep surfing, keep inspiring, and never stop chasing waves.