Devon

We work with young people who are referred from across the whole of Devon by running sessions on both the North and South coast. Current Beach Locations for Surf Therapy are Bigbury, Croyde, Goodrington and Westward Ho!

Our courses run during the Spring, Summer, and Autumn. We also have Surf Club sessions running from April to November.

In 2021 our Adaptive Surf Hub was launched in Croyde.

We’re passionate about improving the lives of our local youth, seeing smiles and improving their mental and physical well-being through surfing.

Meet the Team

Katie Smith

Project Coordinator - South Devon

I started volunteering with The Wave Project in 2015 and have worked for the charity in my current role since 2017. I launched our first paddlebaord project in 2018 and have gone on to lead the NHS Innovation funded paddlebaord pilot on inland waterways. I’m dyslexic, and I hope inclusion and openness allows us to change the mental health landscape for children and young people.

Get in Touch

Ian Bennett

Adaptive Lead

I’m the Adaptive Lead for The Wave Project. I’m passionate about making the ocean and surfing accessible to people of all abilities. I’m always thinking about breaking down the barriers that stop people accessing our beautiful surroundings.

My goal is to continue to grow and develop the inclusive element of the work that we do, and to ensure that more of our locations become accessible to all.

Get in Touch

Rhyannon Allen-Tucker

North Devon Project Coordinator

I’m the Project Coordinator for North Devon and passionate about helping young people experience the confidence, connection and sense of belonging that can come from the ocean. Having experienced the positive benefits of the ocean myself, I love being able to share that with others. There’s nothing better than seeing them achieve something they never thought possible, like standing up on a wave for the first time.

Get in Touch

“Since participating in The Wave Project she has found her confidence again and is a lot more willing to join in activities without the fear of what people think, a lot of this was down to the wonderful volunteers that really engage with the kids” Parent Feedback

Fundraising

We are continuously fundraising to keep our project going. We’d love to see and support your ideas!

We are so thankful for the continued support of Rockfish with customers in Exeter giving to a £1 donation with every meal raising £8500. In 2026 we would love to see more local business choose The Wave Project to be their charity of the year. If you own a business and can support us in any way please get in touch.

Over the last few years in Devon we have received generous donations from BOOST, Tescos, Devon and Cornwall Police Ski Team, Loddiswell Church, Quayclick. Plus a team of incredible heros doing challenges to fundraise for the charity from the Bideford Half, Ocean Half, Great West Run, Tough Mudder and White Collar Boxing. In 2019 Holiofest had the Wave Project as their official charity. Rockfish got on board, as well as the Devon and Somerset Junior Lawyers Division doing a whole mix of events. While Venus Cafe have give 5p from every cup of Tea raising a staggering £1330.30. Cantina raised money by adding 50p donation from every Pizza.

Local fundraiser like Sam, local organisations, and a donation for a beach wheelchair have allowed for us to keep sessions running. We had a kind donation from the local Rotary Club. Ian and his team did a fantastic marathon paddle challenge.

We can’t thank our fundraisers and members across Devon for the continued support.

Devon

Devon

Meet the Team

Katie Smith

Project Coordinator - South Devon

Ian Bennett

Adaptive Lead

Rhyannon Allen-Tucker

North Devon Project Coordinator

Fundraising

Your Details

How can we help?

Devon

Meet the Team

Katie Smith

Project Coordinator - South Devon

Ian Bennett

Adaptive Lead

Rhyannon Allen-Tucker

North Devon Project Coordinator

Fundraising

Your Details

How can we help?

Welcome to The Wave Project!

DONATE NOW