Surfing days give participants a sense of freedom

OCEAN Grove’s Lisa McKay hadn’t been near a beach for more than 20 years before taking part in her local Let’s Go Surfing day.

Run by Disabled Surfers Association Ocean Grove, the days give everyone the opportunity, including disabled participants and able bodied volunteers, to experience unique, safe and happy surfing events, while under complete supervision from trained team leaders and beach marshals.

Ms McKay, who sustained life-changing injuries following an accident 25 years ago, said she loved the feeling of freedom while taking part in the Let’s Go Surfing days.

“I didn’t know anything like this existed and that I was able to come here and go out on the wate.

“They look after you and they make sure you don’t get hurt and it literally feels as though you are free again.”

On February 3, Disabled Surfers Association Ocean Grove will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its Let’s Go Surfing day.

Ian Boyd, who has had Cerebral Palsy from birth, started with the Let’s Go Surfing days as a participant 10 years ago, but now dedicates his time to being a volunteer.

“I love that I’m going out in the water and seeing people who are smiling and having fun, I don’t know who has more fun, the participants or the helpers.

“We started off small with about 50 volunteers and 30 participants, and have progressed to almost 280-odd volunteers and about 100 participants.

“You don’t need to have had experience with a disability or surfing, you just need to be a volunteer.”

Mr Boyd said the Let’s Go Surfing days also raised awareness about lots of different disabilities.

“There was one guy who came down with his surf club and he didn’t realise that disabled people could be articulate, so his world view changed, so that’s part of what it is,” he said.

“Everyone seems to have a great time and it’s exposing people to disabilities.”

Co-ordinator Narelle Lorbeer said participation numbers were growing hugely at the moment and had doubled over the past few years, both in terms of participant and volunteer numbers.

“We are looking to keep growing and keep putting on these events for people who can’t get onto the beach themselves,” she said.

“Ten years is huge and we think it’s a great achievement.”

To volunteer or for more information, head to disabledsurfers.org/vic/ocean-grove-branch/ or follow them on Facebook.