10 years ago, Nanaimo, B.C. resident Cory Parsons broke his neck diving into a lake. He became a quadriplegic as a result of his accident. For the past decade Parsons, now 33, has battled to regain his independence. In May 2009, Parsons announced he would participate in the World Championship Bathtub Race, a gruelling two hour ocean race in customized boats. Parsons and his team spent two months securing sponsors and building and designing a custom boat for Parsons to drive. 10 years after the water took his independence, Parsons returned to take it back. These photos are from his first test drive in his boat on July 22, 2009.