The Halifax Sport Fishing Club (HSFC) was established in August 1967 and is a registered not-for-profit organization. For over 50 years, HSFC has been involved in community service projects: maintenance and placement of Port Authority artificial reefs, construction of wheelchair-accessible docks at local boat ramps, free fishing contests, clinics and picnics for physically or economically challenged children and adults, free monthly seminars, support for local Marine Science Centers and museums and river cleanup.
In addition, the club has a ‘Kids Can Fish Too’ program, and also hosts a series of family-friendly events, including talks on fishing, safety and conservation. The members also organize a couple of offshore fishing trips each year.
The members have dedicated their efforts to a mission based on two guiding principles:
Promoting responsible fishing and safe boating in east central Florida estuaries and Atlantic coastal waters.
Providing valuable community services to improve the lives of those around us.
The club is grateful for support from local businesses, including Atlantic Marine, The Fishin Hole, Down the Hatch Restaurant, Evan’s Mechanical, Energy Air, Sea
Spirit, Bob’s Discount, Sea Tow, a number of charter captains and many more.
Club meetings are usually the third Thursday of each month and are open to the public. The club provides a free seminar on a broad range of topics, including everything from fishing techniques, boat maintenance and safety, seafood cooking, etc.
More information is available on the Halifax Sport Fishing Club website (HSFC.com) and Facebook. The club is located at the Riverside Pavilion 3431 South Ridgewood Ave., Port Orange, Florida, overlooking the Intra-Coastal Waterway.
While growing up on the Jersey Shore, surfing and other water sports were a natural way of life for Danny Paltjon. In 2003, Danny suffered a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from his chest down. His ability to be in the water or on the soft, thick Jersey sands was non-existent.
Shortly after his injury, while still in New Jersey, some friends lifted him onto a surfboard and brought him out in the water to ride some waves; it’s a feeling he said “He’ll never forget,” and that feeling is what sparked the idea for the Oceans of Hope Foundation after his move to the Sunshine State.
Paltjon and fellow Oceans of Hope Foundation co-founder Chris Sharpe started the organization to offer adaptive ocean access to people with limited or no mobility. This includes specialized wheelchairs or assistance to enter the sand, as well as customized surfboards to empower individuals to safely ride the waves.
Oceans of Hope Foundation’s inaugural event was in the summer of 2014 in New Smyrna Beach. “Since that event, the Foundation hosts four adapted surfing events a year with over 150 individuals getting out of their wheelchairs and experiencing freedom like no other,” Paltjon says.
In addition to surfing, Oceans of Hope Foundation now includes “adapted kayaking” and hosts multiple events each year. Modified kayaks with outriggers, grip modifications for individuals with limited hand function and tandem kayaks are part of the foundation’s kayak program.
Oceans of Hope Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization that operates solely with the support of volunteers and sponsors. Because of their support and generosity each year, the Oceans of Hope Foundation can change so many lives.
We are honored to have local businesses and organizations such as Halifax Health, Johnny Nomad Media, LLC, Beach Mobility Rentals, LLC, Yaupon Brothers Tea, Daytona Sportswear, inc, Wheelers Medical Supply, Jeep Beach, Rum Runners JC, Surfing Evolution & Preservation Foundation, Brandi’s Sign Design, Brooks Rehab of Daytona and Danielle Figel Design Studio. A special thank you to all of the Oceans of Hope Volunteers who continue to help others.