Project ‘Surfable’

‘Surf Relief UK ‘changing lives through surfing’

 The ‘Surfable’ project provides opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged children and young people (under 18) to take part in surfing activities through a network of surf schools across the country.  These schools provide these young people with an experience of a lifetime in a high quality and safe environment. All schools use experienced and highly qualified instructors and have specialist equipment - supported by the charity. Through the network the charity subsidises one to one surfing lessons and supports events catering for a wide range of disabilities. 

The ‘Surfable’ project provides an opportunity for individuals, businesses and other organisations to support an initiative that will make a real difference to the lives of 100’s of young people in 2008.

  How it works

It’s simple. Any disabled young person (under 18) wishing to take part in a surfing experience / lesson (or their carer, parent or guardian on behalf of the pupil) should contact their local network school (see map).

 They (or their carer, parent or guardian) will be required to fill in a registration form. This ensures that the facilities at the chosen site are suitable for catering for the specific disabilities of the pupil and helps surfing instructors provide the best format for the experience/lesson in the safest possible environment. The carer, parent or guardian will be required to be present for the whole of the lesson, if they wish to join the pupil in the water this will be possible as long as they are a competent swimmer. All equipment will be provided by the surf school and the lesson will generally be one to one instructor / pupil ratio. The approximate duration of lesson will be between 1.5 and 3.0 hours depending on environmental conditions and personal enthusiasm.

The cost of a one to one lesson will be no more than £20.

Providing sustainable opportunities

Surf Relief UK will also encourage projects that involve the young people as mentors/buddies for the disabled participants to help those who want to continue in the sport. The scheme encourages network schools to work with local schools, special schools and disabilities groups and organisations to attract participants in the scheme.  

Although providing an exciting and new experience is worthwhile in itself it is important that after the initial surfing experience individuals have the opportunity to carry on in the sport of surfing and that the training provided for coaches at the network surfing schools is used to best effect providing as many opportunities as possible.

‘Surf Relief UK is a small charity achieving big things and our ‘Surfable’ Project is an exciting, challenging and unique venture which aims to use surfing to change the lives of disabled and disadvantaged young people. Experience shows that taking part in surfing improves an individual’s well-being.  I have seen examples of autistic children who are normally introverted and unresponsive become animated and ecstatic just by riding a board in through the surf on their stomachs.’

 Quote - Andy Joyce Owner and senior instructor - Bournemouth Surf Academy

Project ‘Surfable’ is making a real difference to the lives of many disabled and disadvantaged young people. With the help of Surf Relief UK we are able to provide subsidised lessons for disabled children from all along the south coast. For many of these a trip to Devon or Cornwall would not be possible and Surf Relief’s national network provides opportunities much closer to home. Conditions at Bournemouth are ideal for teaching pupils with disabilities and we hope that this summer many will take-up this unique opportunity.

Quotes from Dave Manley (TSRUK Chairman)

 ‘Surfable’’

(Introducing disabled young people to the sport of surfing)

 Objectives

 Ø      To improve the health, well being, self esteem of those participating and provide the young people (under 18 yrs) with a fun and new experience.

Ø      To facilitate sustainable national network of quality and safe surfing opportunities for disabled people of all ages.

 The Roles of the Partners Involved

 Surf Relief UK

To facilitate the provision of surfing lessons tasks to include:

• development of network of surfing schools capable of providing high quality coaching for disabled young people
• provision of specific training for surf coaches, staff and carers
• provision of match funding for specific projects
• fund raising for the scheme
• administration and co-ordination of the scheme
• promotion and marketing of the scheme (in partnership with the network).

 Network Surf Schools

Provide centres of training to include:

• employment of coaches trained and experienced in working with disabled people
• provision of suitable equipment (with help from Surf Relief UK where possible)
• health and safety responsibilities for those taking part in surfing lessons
• promotion of the scheme through schools promotional material / web site (in partnership with Surf Relief UK).

 The Network

The network currently includes six surf schools, two in West Cornwall, one in North Cornwall, one in South Devon, one in North Devon, one on the South Coast and one on the Kent Coast. These will become specialist centres able to cater for the tuition of the disabilities selected and it is hoped that the number and coverage of surf schools involved in the network will expand as the charity grows.

 Surf Schools taking part:

• Big Blue Surf School – Bude (North Cornwall)
• National Surfing Centre – Newquay (West Cornwall)
• Nick Thorn’s Surf School – Woolacombe (North Devon)
• Discovery Surf School – Bigbury Bay (South Devon)
• Bournemouth Surf School –  Bournemouth (South Coast)
• Joss Bay Surf School – Joss Bay Kent (East Coast)

 (All schools adhere to the guidelines required by the British Surfing Associations Registered Schools scheme[1])

Bournemouth Surf School, situated on Bournemouth beach, is currently the only BSA level 4 approved surf school on the South coast and the closest school to London.  We offer a selection of different courses to suit all levels and requirements; from complete beginners to expert, from full day beach festivals to specialist private lessons.

Joss Bay Surf School has been running ten years and is by far the most established and well known surf school in the South East (Based on Joss Bay). Our friendly Instructors are very experianced and hold current BSA surf instructor and beach lifeguard qualifications!!"

Discovery Surf School provides professional coaching for all ages and
levels, from absolute beginners to experienced surfers. With an emphasis
on high quality coaching in small groups.
Our main location is Bigbury on-Sea located in South Devon and also at
Whitsand Bay in S.E. Cornwall. Contact: Martin Connolly - 07813 639622

Big Blue Surf School. Our specially trained/experienced coaches offer surf lessons/experiences to people with a wide range of disabilities. As an elite British Surfing Association Level 4 Surf School, we employ some of the most experienced coaches in the UK (including a BSL level 2 signer).  To find out why surfing makes such a difference to so many peoples lives call us today!