Disabled Surfers Association Ocean Grove held the first of two events for the year on Sunday, February 5, attracting moe than 50 participants and more than 200 volunteers.
DSA aims to provide a surfing experience for people with disabilities and the first event of the season was completely booked out.
DSA Ocean Grove president Jeremy Swift said the event was a massive success and that everyone was looking forward to the next event on March 5.
Mr Swift said the volunteers often get as much out of the experience as the participants.
“Our volunteers get as much joy out of it as our surfers,” he said.
“You can see it from our photos. It’s a great opportunity to do something for someone else.”
Mr Swift said the event, which has been running in Ocean Grove since 2009, required plenty of organising.
“It’s pretty big,” he said.
“We’ve been doing it for a long time now so we have it pretty well down pat.
“Organising permits, getting gear, volunteers, setting up and packing stuff up as well.
“We were on the beach before six o’clock in the morning to get it set up.”
More than 60 surfers are booked in already for the next event.
“Some of our participants look forward to it all year,” Mr Swift said.
“Matt, who was the first surfer in the water, has missed one event since we started.”
Mr Swift said there is no limit to the number of volunteers who can help out on the day.
“Don’t be hesitant, come along and we will find a role suitable to your ability,” he said.
“Not everyone has to get wet. We need help pushing wheelchairs down to the beach and other tasks.”
Details: disabledsurfers.org/vic-ocean-grove
Justin Flynn
