DSA to return to Ocean Grove this February

THE Disabled Surfing Association (DSA) are set to be back and bigger in 2023 and are on the lookout for more volunteers to help run their first session of the year on Ocean Grove Main Beach next month.

Founded in 1986 by New South Welshmen Gary Blaschke, the DSA aims to keep giving people of all disabilities the amazing experiences of surfing, including it’s therapeutic benefits.

Ocean Grove DSA vice president Phil Christie said the team couldn’t wait to bring the sessions back to Ocean Grove after a difficult three years of pandemic interruptions.

“It’s pretty exciting to be back again, we ran a small one last year within guidelines but compared to normal it was different and a lot smaller.

“We usually get about 230 volunteers which is just amazing, it’s been a bit slower building up this year.

“It’s gone off people’s radar we think with the pandemic, the numbers aren’t as big as what they have been.

“We’ve got about 50 surfers coming so far and hopefully the volunteer numbers will grow, meaning we can open more surfing spots up.

“We want to make sure we have the right numbers to help out, safety is our biggest priority.”

Mr Christie said the events would be going into their 16th year at Ocean Grove and has helped to positively change and impact the lives of thousands of people across the journey.

“It’s been a great thing to be involved in and it’s grown so much since 2008 when we kicked off on a close to 50-degree day.

“It’s our first one back here in 2023 and hopefully people will really pick it up and remember us and then get involved and register. “We are about three-quarter capacity for this February event and more spots will continue to open for our surfers as the volunteers numbers rise.

“The last thing we want is to leave our surfers disappointed if we can’t get enough volunteers, but hopefully we will be full steam ahead.”

DSA Ocean Grove continues to be humbled by their volunteers and list of local supporting partners who help them get their events off the ground.

“Our service is for people with all disabilities; we take anyone with a disability from severe to minor,” Mr Christie said.

“It’s about them getting that surfing fix that most of us are so lucky to get!”

To register for the February 5 event, head to disabledsurfers.org/events