September 26, 2025

The Story of Shake a Leg

From Local Project to National Leader

On a stretch of Biscayne Bay, in the heart of Coconut Grove, there stands a restored 1932 Coast Guard seaplane hangar. Built a century ago to patrol coastlines and rescue mariners, it stands today as the headquarters of something equally vital. Shake‑A‑Leg Miami, an organization that has grown far beyond its humble beginnings, has become an advocate and example of the importance of accessibility, healing, education, and inclusion through the sea.

In 1990, Shake‑A‑Leg Miami was founded by Harry Horgan (alongside his wife Susie) and others, inspired by Horgan’s personal journey. After becoming paralyzed following a car accident, Harry envisioned more than adapting his own life to the limits; he wanted to help others break through barriers via the water.  

Harry chose an underused waterfront property in Coconut Grove, anchored by a historic seaplane hangar built in 1932. That hangar would come to serve as a powerful symbol. From a building whose original purpose was to patrol and safeguard, it transformed into the anchor of opening waters, joy, learning, and freedom to every person of any ability.  

Over the years Shake‑A‑Leg has steadily expanded its work in several dimensions:

  • Accessibility for all: From the start, the mission included persons of all ability levels (physical, developmental, economic). Whether someone has mobility challenges, intellectual disabilities, or limited means, Shake‑A‑Leg offers pathways in every water activity.  
  • Educational and recreational programs: With support from Miami‑Dade counties, schools, community foundations, Shake‑A‑Leg launched summer camps, opportunities, adaptive sailing, kayaking, and paddle boarding.  
  • Partnerships: Collaboration has been key. The City of Miami, Miami‑Dade schools, public grants, private grants, and philanthropy have enabled growth and stability. We are endlessly grateful for these donations, for Shake-A-Leg would not be Shake-A-Leg without them!

Shake‑A‑Leg’s journey has had defining moments, some celebratory, others testing. Together, they have shaped its character and reach.

Year Milestone Significance
1996 “Trust for Safe Neighborhood Parks” and support from other foundations funded the expansion of programs to serve students with disabilities. This event marked the shift from modest beginnings to programs with impacting scale and reach.
1999 Shake-A-Leg hosted the World Blind Sailing Championships (teams from other nations!) in Miami. This event raised national visibility and internationally, as it demonstrated expertise.
2002 The three-story watersports building beside the hangar opened as Shake-A-Leg’s multi-purpose classroom, office, and universally accessible facility space. This event opened the idea of infrastructure investment that allowed more consistent, year-round programming.
2014 The Impossible Dream, a 60-foot catamaran designed for universal accessibility, becomes part of the fleet. It sails along the East Coast to spread awareness. This event state-wide inspired and encouraged those with limited accessibility to acknowledge their worthiness and opportunities with Shake-A-Leg.
2017 Hurricane Irma damages docks and boats. Shake-A-Leg recovered quickly, both physically and emotionally. Volunteers and communities rallied to rebuild. Despite sudden hardships, Shake-A-Leg has always overcome to maintain a safe place full of opportunity for all.
2018 The pandemic forces program scale-back, but Shake-A-Leg does what it does best: adapt! We reopened with modified offerings, keeping the mission alive. Another event showcasing Shake-A-Leg's ability to adapt and overcome.
2022 Shake-A-Leg's license was renewed with the City of Miami for 25 more brilliant years at our waterfront site! The vision expanded further with green initiatives and stronger community and veteran-oriented work. This event expands Shake-A-Leg's legacy to enjoy 25+ more years of making history, memories, and connections.

From a bold idea sparked by one person’s journey to a nationally respected leader in adaptive water sports and community inclusion, Shake‑A‑Leg shows what’s possible when mission, place, design, and community align. Its historic hangar, once a site of maritime protection, now serves a grander purpose: opening the water to all. Beyond Biscayne Bay, its ripples of impact stretch far into homes, schools, and hearts.

If you live in Miami, the story is local history. For families who face barriers, it is a doorway to possibility. For anyone who cares about inclusion, it’s a model. And, as the waters beckon, it reminds us that sometimes, to lead nationally, you must first serve deeply, close to home.  

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