Surfing South Australia

Community Development-Learn to Surf Speciality Programs

Learn to Surf for Persons with a Disability

Friday, 13 April 2012

Moving out of your comfort zone learn to Surf for Persons with a disability

Surfing SA works in partnership with various disability organizations to deliver the surfability program.

On this occasion we would like to introduce our friends from Bedford.

Surfing lessons originally commenced at Southport Beach approx 2 years ago but in the last 4 months moved to Moana Beach for easier access to beach and changing facilities.

Surf lessons only run during the warmer months.

Southport can produce quality waves and on occasions participants moved out of their comfort zone.

As experienced surfers are ware you have to leave your comfort zone in order to gain confidence and increase your fitness and skill levels.

All surfers put in an excellent effort in some challenging conditions. Safety was not compromised as participation was generally on a one to one basis with surf coaches and carers.

Stand out surfer for courage and determination would have to go to Tim  who encountered more than his fair share of wipe outs.

“Our crew from Bedford really enjoy the surf lessons” said Stacey Andrew, Disability Support Worker, “as it improves quality of life, encourages independence, assists a socially valued role and is just plain good fun.”

“Wayne and Casey are generally reserved but once we are on the beach and in the water they seem to forget about their problems. After the surf session everyone feels more relaxed and happy. Jessica has a bubbly personality and loves talking to new friends. She catches plenty of waves and is usually the last to leave the water.

It is important that we keep our guys active as some are prone to put on to much weight” said Za Za Workolo, Disability Support Worker. “Tim is blind with a mild intellectual disability and is very cautious about touching things. Surfing has increased his confidence and opened him up to new experiences”. “Lee is very outgoing and given the slightest opportunity loves to stir around. He brings so much fun to our excursions we would not have it any other way” My country of origin is Liberia and Australia is the lucky country.

“Surfing SA would like to thank volunteers, surf coaches and staff for their great efforts that ensured the Surfability programs success.” said Tina Atkinson, Program Organiser, Surfing SA.

The Surfing for Disabled program is sponsored by the Office for Recreation and Sport to give access to sporting opportunities that would not normally be available and lays the  foundation to create pathways of greater social interaction and recreational activities.