Surf, sand and salty pleasures for all at Ocean Grove

A DAY at the beach is a given this summer for most, but for people with a disability the logistics can be too much; getting across the sand, into the water and onto a board is almost impossible.

Disabled Surfers Australia (DSA), Ocean Grove have been helping families and their children enjoy the waves for eleven years and this summer is no different, according to secretary Nick Ansell.

“What we do, we put on a free surf day for people with a disability. It’s about providing an experience. We’re a totally volunteer run organisation,” Mr Ansell said.

“We will be running two events on Sunday, February 2 and March 3. We already have 80 participants registered and hopefully, we’ll have a couple of hundred volunteers across the two events to help out.”

Mr Ansell has been involved with DSA since 2009, after he joined alongside a friend who has a daughter with a disability.

“I love surfing and thought it was an opportunity to give something back. Once I got involved it gets in your blood, it’s a great thing to be a part of. DSA is about providing an experience and our numbers are growing every year.

“People who’ve registered will travel from Melbourne, Ballarat and then a lot are from Geelong and across the Bellarine. We have people of all ages from little kids up to 70 and over.”

Disabled Surfers Australia uses specialised equipment so people previously unable to enjoy the water or surfing experience, can enjoy it, often for the first time.

“It’s an experience and something I love (surfing) and watching people experience it for the first time is really rewarding for everyone involved, including the family’s reactions.

“We provide all the equipment: beach wheelchairs, surf boards (which are like stand-up paddle boards), our volunteers work in teams to make sure the surfer is comfortable and safe.

“We try and keep things pretty simple safety is the number one thing as well as having a great time. Our mission is to put smiles on dials and provide an inclusive experience.”

Mr Ansell said if any community members were interested in either participating or volunteering, they can find prompts online.

“Volunteers and participants can also register on the day at 8am, for groups we ask you to register prior. You don’t need any qualifications, only a willingness to help out,” he said.

“There’s no cost involved for participants, it’s a free event. The Rotary Club of Ocean Grove are long term generous supporters of ours, we receive different grants and the rest is donations and fundraising to make it possible.”

If you would like to find out more information or support Disabled Surfers Association Ocean Grove, head to disabledsurfers.org.