OCEAN Grove\u2019s Lisa McKay hadn\u2019t been near a beach for more than 20 years before taking part in her local Let\u2019s Go Surfing day.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s Go Surfing days.<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t know anything like this existed and that I was able to come here and go out on the water,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey look after you and they make sure you don\u2019t get hurt and it literally feels as though you are free again.\u201d<\/p>\n
On Sunday February 3, Disabled Surfers Association Ocean Grove will celebrate the 10th anniversary of its Let\u2019s Go Surfing day.<\/p>\n
Ian Boyd, who has had Cerebral Palsy from birth, started with the Let\u2019s Go Surfing days as a participant 10 years ago, but now dedicates his time to being a volunteer.<\/p>\n
\u201cI love that I\u2019m going out in the water and seeing people who are smiling and having fun, I don\u2019t know who has more fun, the participants or the helpers,\u201d Mr McKay said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe started off small with about 50 volunteers and 30 participants, and have progressed to almost 280-odd volunteers and about 100 participants.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t need to have had experience with a disability or surfing, you just need to be a volunteer.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Boyd said the Let\u2019s Go Surfing days also raised awareness about lots of different disabilities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere was one guy who came down with his surf club and he didn\u2019t realise that disabled people could be articulate, so his world view changed, so that\u2019s part of what it is,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone seems to have a great time and it\u2019s exposing people to disabilities.\u201d<\/p>\n
Coordinator Narelle Lorbeer said participation numbers were growing hugely at the moment and had doubled over the past few years, both in participant and volunteer numbers.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are looking to keep growing and keep putting on these events for people who can\u2019t get onto the beach themselves,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cTen years is huge and we think it\u2019s a great achievement.\u201d<\/p>\n
To volunteer, or for more information, visit disabledsurfers.org\/vic\/ocean-grove-branch or follow them on Facebook.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
OCEAN Grove\u2019s Lisa McKay hadn\u2019t been near a beach for more than 20 years before taking part in her local Let\u2019s 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 […]<\/p>\n