On the 17 March earlier this year, 47 disabled thrill-seekers were taught the true meaning of ‘stoke’, when they participated in the second Adapted Surfing Day, organised by Extreme Abilities and supported by Surfing South Africa and the Department of Sport and Recreation.
They wouldn’t have been given the opportunity had it not been for the support and help of the local beach community though, and once again the organisers are calling on the big-hearted members of the Cape Town surfing family to volunteer their services for a day of spreading the stoke.
At least 100 volunteers are needed to make the third Adapted Surfing Day a success, and you can ask the crowd of volunteers who showed up to the previous gathering just how much of a rewarding experience it was.
Surfing offers each of us so much pleasure and radical experiences, and this is an epic chance to share the love and give a little bit back to the sport of surfing from which we gain so much.
The event takes place 8 December at Big Bay, Bloubergstrand, and promises to be a day of life-changing experiences for not only the invited surf enthusiasts, but also the volunteers witnessing the stoke bubbling over.
Check out this gallery for highlights from the Adapted Surfing Day that took place in March, then read the press release below for details of how you can get involved.
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ADAPTED SURFING DAY TO BE HELD AT BIG BAY, BLOUBERGSTRAND, 8 DECEMBER
Adapted surfing was introduced to the disabled community of the Western Cape when the first ever Adapted Surfing event, hosted by Extreme Abilities and Surfing South Africa, was held at Big Bay, Bloubergstrand in December 2011.
Together with Surfing South Africa and with support from the Department of Sport and Recreation South Africa, Extreme Abilities is hosting the third Adapted Surfing event on December 8th 2013, International Disability Awareness Day.
70 participants with different disabilities, ranging from high spinal cord injuries and amputees to intellectual disabilities and blindness, will be participating in this event.
The aim of Extreme Abilities and Surfing South Africa at this event is to give opportunities to individuals who live with disabilities to explore their own capabilities and experience the freedom of riding a wave.
Dries Millard from Extreme Abilities has been working hard organising his third Adapted Surfing Day.
In order for the participants to get to ride a wave Surfing South Africa will be providing six qualified International Surfing Association Coaches to run the programme, but the day will not be successful unless at least 100 volunteers turn out to assist the participants get down to the water’s edge and onto the waves.
Information on the Adapted Surfing Day and application forms for participants and volunteers is available on www.extremeabilities.co.za and from Surfing South Africa at surfingsouthafrica@gmail.com
Please be a part of our Adapted Surfing event on Sunday December 8th and come down to Big Bay Bloubergstrand and give our participants a helping hand.
If you would like to be part of this event or support it in any way please contact Robin de Kock at Surfing South Africa on surfingsouthafrica@gmail.com or Dries Millard of Extreme Abilities at dries@extremeabilities.co.za
