My arms do not work great and I am looking for a design for a surfboard with, do not laugh, an outboard motor that can get me up to speed while i'm catching the wave then stows while i'm riding it.

You may have to transfer to boogie boarding or just get a longboard so you do not have to work too hard. l do not think they make surfboards with motors on them. It would kind of defeat the purpose.

Just make sure you remain a good swimmer too.

Do not laugh, but something that catches you up to speed and then stalls out would be called tow-in surfing. It is not done for small waves. l have to give the do not try it at home speech because there are dangers.

As for being handicapped, there is a parapalegic who surfs in Cali. l do not recall how rewarding it was or what he used but l believe he did paddle out. He is in the movie Step Into Liquid.

I've seen him surf before. It is crazy. He was at the OP Pro in Huntington. He did not paddle into the waves on his own though. He had like a team of 4 big name professional surfers help him paddle out & push him into waves. You could always find someone to go out with u & help push u into waves. Kinda like a surfing buddy, coach, & lifeguard. :) If u live in San Diego, l will take you! :)

Otherwise, l think u will have to get something like that custom made. Talk with ur local surf shop and/or boating store & see if u get them to work together on a little project for you. You may have to pay a pretty penny for something like that, but if that is what u need to go surfing, then l think it is worth it. You could even see about raising money for it through local surfing organizations & stores. :)

The paralyzed guys name is Jesse Billauer & his website is liferollson.org. His boards r made by Al Merrick. If u go to the Channel Islands website l think there is even a section about how to order boards built for ur needs.

A motor would be really dangerous. You could either hit somebody else with it accidentally or injure yourself during a wipe out. Also, may beaches have laws specifically banning motor powered craft from being in proximity to surfers or swimmers. If ur legs work well u may be better off getting a custom body board so that u can kick yourself into the waves.

In any case check out Jesse is foundation, especially the ''They Will Surf Again'' section.