Inclusion

Surfing is for everyone. We know that some people with physical disabilities simply want to try surfing as an experience rather than doing a course.

With this in mind, we have introduced our Adaptive Surfing programme for people with disabilities.

Adaptive Surfing is delivered by specially trained surf coaches supported by our wonderful trained volunteers.

Sessions are booked individually because each person has different needs and may require different levels of support. Our goal is to make the surfing experience as authentic as possible for each participant, removing any barriers that prevent them from accessing surfing.

Our Adaptive Hubs

We run three special Adaptive Surfing Hubs in Watergate Bay, Cornwall; Croyde, North Devon and Scarborough, North Yorkshire for people with disabilities who want to try surfing, but don’t necessarily want to take part in a Surf Therapy course.

Our Adaptive Hubs provide:

Fully qualified adaptive surf coaches
Adapted surf equipment, including seated surfboards, beach wheelchairs and adjustable wetsuits
Level access to the beach (no steps of cliffs)
Access to disability toilets and changing facilities
Disabled parking spaces nearby with step-free access

A typical adaptive session

Once a booking is made, our Adaptive Surf Coaches will produce a lesson plan based on the needs of the individual surfer. This includes making a pen portrait of the surfer and identifying the most suitable type of equipment for the surfing lesson.

For this reason, the level of support required – and therefore the price of the lesson – varies with each booking.

On the day, our team will meet the surfer and provide them with one of our specially adapted wetsuits. Assistance is available if required. Our changing rooms are designed to enable each surfer to get in and out of their wetsuits with dignity.

In the water, our team will usually clear a surfing zone for the lesson to take place safely. Helmets will be provided for the surfer and all the staff to enable a sense of equity. We aim to give each surfer the most exciting experience possible while making sure they are safe at all times.

Inclusion

Our Adaptive Hubs

A typical adaptive session

Specialist equipment

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