THE centenary year of surfing in Cronulla is about to be capped off with a visit by one of the world's most inspirational surfers.
Blind surfer Derek Rabelo is visiting in August to talk about his life and the motivation that led him to overcome obstacles to pursue a sporting career.
Rabelo, 23, was born blind, grew up near a beach in Brazil and came from a family of professional surfers.
Ever since he caught his first wave he has been challenging himself, seeking out big surf around the world.
He challenged himself further recently by taking up downhill speed skating and has been the subject of a short film, Beyond Sight, which tells his story.
Mr Rabelo is coming to Cronulla as guest of the C3 Church and will address a special service in the Gunnamatta Pavilion on Sunday, August 9, at 5pm.
C3 Church Cronulla's Pastor James Murray invited Mr Rabelo through a mutual friend to address his congregation.
"Derek is a Christian man and his faith is part of his story," Mr Murray said.
Mr Murray said the service and talk will be good for all age groups and the talk will include film clips of Rabelo's surfing career.
"I hope people wll see something beyond Derek's love of extreme sport.
"I hope that they see he has something more than ambition — that he has faith."