All-inclusive surfing will make a return in February

NOT everyone gets to surf unfortunately, but the return of a popular and inclusive surf program is making a long-awaited return to Ocean Grove.

The Disabled Surfers Association (DSA) of Ocean Grove has announced the return of its All-Inclusive Hands-On Surfing Events for the end of summer.

The DSA Ocean Grove branch, which was formed 12 years ago, will host the first of two hands-on events on February 6 for the Dave Renton Memorial Hands On Surf Day before March 6, which will see the regular Hands On Surf Day.

Both events will be held at the Ocean Grove Main Beach from 8.30am on the two days.

Vice president of DSA’s Ocean Grove branch Jeremy Swift is more than excited for the return of the association’s all-inclusive surfing days, given last year’s event was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.

“Our motto I suppose is ‘smiles on dials’,” Mr Swift said.

“That’s what it is all about. It’s about getting people into the water, who normally might not get the chance to do that and just getting them to enjoy themselves.

“We’re all surfers here at DSA Ocean Grove, we all know how fun it is, so we want to and look forward to sharing that experience.”

DSA Ocean Grove’s volunteers always have the events marked in their calendars, and the volunteering numbers during past events make this obvious.

According to Mr Swift, each participant needs two or more helpers to aid in mobility and safety accessing the sand and water.

The busiest event that DSA Ocean Grove can recall is an event in 2019 that saw more than 120 participants and 250 volunteers get involved.

Mr Swift is a proud Ocean Grove resident and has been the vice president of the DSA Ocean Grove branch since moving to the Bellarine roughly seven years ago.

“The first time I saw this group of people participating in these events down here at Ocean Grove, I saw how much fun they were having, and I just knew I needed to be a part of it,” Mr Swift said.

“That was seven years ago in 2013 or 2014 and I still love helping out.”

Mr Swift has no doubts that 2022’s inclusive surfing events will be a big day for everybody involved.

“The participants love it; their parents or carers love it, and the volunteers love it too,” Mr Swift said.

“You don’t have to be an experienced surfer to get involved, the day is just about having fun and having a crack.”

The two events in February and March next year will run in-line with the DSA’s COVIDSafe plan and DHHS requirements.

To pre-register for the events head to www.diabledsurfers.org or contact the Ocean Grove branch’s president Phil Christie on 0408 253 206.