Sam Bloom

In early 2013, Sam’s dream life turned into a nightmare when on holiday in Thailand she unknowingly leant against a rotten balcony railing, falling through it and crashing six metres onto the concrete below. Her accident left her paralysed from the chest down.

Broken and hopeless, Sam reached her outer limits of physical and mental suffering. But with courage and determination, she made her way back from the edge – scarred but undefeated.

Since her accident, Sam has inspired a bestselling book and major film, co-authored her own bestseller and become a 3 x World Para Surfing Champion.

Today, she continues to defy the barriers in life and in sport, and to inspire other people around the world to do the same.

Sam’s powerful story inspired the movie Penguin Bloom starring Naomi Watts and Andrew Lincoln.

The movie premiered as one of only 50 films chosen for the 2020 Toronto International Film Festival. It was released globally in January 2021 with an Australian premiere and box-office, while it was purchased by Netflix to stream across key global territories.

The film became an immediate hit taking #1 at the Australian box office and trending on Netflix in North America and across Europe.

Sam is one of Australia’s most highly sought-after keynote speakers, delivering powerful and inspiring presentations to audiences across Australia and around the world.

Set to remarkable imagery, her personal story resonates deeply with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Sam, currently ranked #1 in the world on the AASP pro tour, took Gold in the first professional Adaptive World Surfing Tour event in Byron Bay in March 2024. Sam is committed to keep raising the profile of the sport as the push for paralympic inclusion continues.

Sam focuses her impact work in two areas – Environment and Climate Change, and Spinal Cord Injury. Sam is an ambassador for Surfers for Climate and Wings for Life, as well as funding groundbreaking scientific research by donating 10% of book sale royalties to SpinalCure Australia.

Sam has found purpose in sharing her story with others creating positive change in their lives by providing inspiration and hope. From students to multinational corporates and large scale conferences virtually and in person. Sam’s powerful story continues to inspire audiences globally.