“The ocean and riding waves are a lot like writing songs…”

Story of The Surfing Songwriter

Without a warning, 10 years ago, Camilyn Morrison’s health started spiraling. Test after test, from one specialist to another, a trip to the Mayo clinic in Arizona, and after multiple surgeries and medical procedures there still seemed to be no hope on the horizon or an answer for her painful condition. However, while vacationing in Kauia, Hawaii in 2014, she had a breakthrough.  

At the age of 40 she learned that she could not only surf despite her health challenges-but she found she could write while doing it. She discovered that this new passion was an incredible gift and lifeline for her. Since that day the song-writer in her and the emerging surf-rider combined forces and the name “The Surfing Song-rider” was born.  

She’s quoted as saying, “The ocean and riding waves are a lot like writing songs,” she said “You can feel the underlying currents and the swells beneath you, all you need to do is listen to them, and trust them. They feel like the rhythm when you’re writing a song – it’s an art and it’s inspiring and has helped me create songs I would have never written without discovering this passion, that has become a huge blessing in my life despite suffering a rare disease, SMA Syndrome, my current health challenge.”

This is what she wants to define as her legacy-"…use your setbacks and challenges whether they be physical, emotional or spiritual as springboards-something to launch off of – rather than something that can contribute to your downfall and pull you under.

We all have challenges some like Bethany Hamilton visible on the outside and others like me invisible but nonetheless we all have them and shouldn’t judge anyone because of this." As she still is trying to find answers to her deteriorating health – like her song demonstrates – “When there is a will…there is a Way-ve.”

Her goal is to uplift others and hopefully heal others through her music.

Aside from writing music, Camilyn has also worked as an Event Coordinator for The Osmonds and volunteers for a handful of non-profit organizations.