Meet Frances Osorio Rivera, amputee kitesurfer and all-round waterwoman
Meet Frances Osorio Rivera, a true waterwoman who has always watersports and being active, from paddleboarding to swimming. Originally from Puerto Rico, Frances lost the lower half of her leg in a traffic accident, but didn’t let that stop her. Today, Frances not only works in the kite industry, but also lives and kites in Florida, sharing her adventures on her Instagram account.
We spoke with Frances about overcoming mental challenges, her advice for amputee riders (“duct tape, lots of duct tape”) and her highlights from the past few years.
Hi Frances, thank you for joining us! Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself and your love of the water?
Hey there! I’m Frances, the regional manager for Eleveight Kites, Brumotti, Lieuwe, and several other brands across Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. I’m also a below-the-knee amputee and a U.S. Army veteran. My love for the water began early, growing up on the island of Puerto Rico. Surrounded by water, I spent my youth swimming, surfing, freediving, and exploring rivers, which eventually led me to discover kiteboarding.
What watersports did you do before you lost your leg?
As an adaptive athlete, what were your main challenges to getting back in the water?
A lot of it is mental. Prostheses don’t float, so when landing tricks like kiteloops, the suction can sometimes pull the leg off and cause it to sink—this has happened to me over four times now. Pain is also a significant factor; each day brings different challenges. Some days I can ride for only minutes, while on others, I can go for hours. When there’s constant nerve pain, it can be frustrating because it usually means a shorter session.
Weight fluctuations also affect my stump and how the prosthesis fits. If I gain too much weight, the leg doesn’t fit properly, causing cramps while riding due to excessive pressure. On the other hand, if I lose weight, I need to add socks for cushioning; otherwise, the bone rubs against the prosthesis during jumps, which is extremely painful.
Lots of challenges; but being in the water makes them all worth the struggle.
What would you say have been the most exciting or rewarding parts of the last few years (we also read you represented the US at the World Sailing Paralympic Development clinic in 2022)?
The top highlight for me has definitely been the Paralympic Development Clinic. Representing my country and being a pioneer in adaptive kiteboarding for future Paralympic consideration was an unbelievable experience—one that I will carry proudly and close to my heart.
Being in the kiteboarding industry as a representative for nine years has been another exciting and rewarding part of my life. This has become even more thrilling in the past few months after switching brands and beginning work with Action Sports Logistics and the umbrella of brands we distribute. It’s been a traveler’s dream come true, with opportunities to travel across the U.S. and attend events in the Caribbean, Central America, and beyond. I’m incredibly privileged to call this my career.
As a veteran, nothing fills my heart more than teaching this sport to other veterans who have faced a disability and may be wondering what life has to offer after a traumatic injury. Watersports and kiteboarding are incredible ways to find joy and experience life outdoors.
What adapted equipment do you have that could you share with any readers to help them get back in the water?
What do you think the watersports industries need to change to make them more inclusive/accessible for disabilities?
More adaptive programs are needed. Most of the existing ones are run by nonprofits, with volunteers donating their time to help grow this sector. I believe that adaptive coaching should be available at every center, with various adaptive equipment on hand to teach anyone with a disability, regardless of the level of their impairment.
