Feel The Thrill Of Riding The Waves On A Surfboard.
Disabled Surfers Association (DSA) organise surf days in summer. Their goal is “to provide an inclusive experience for all people with any disability to experience the rush of riding a wave.” And that they do!
A small army of volunteers are there to guide and help you from start to finish to help you achieve your disabled surfing goal. People of all ages participate, and it’s a fun day.
In todays post, I'll outline information for the Ocean Grove/ Barwon Heads venue. Rest assured, you will most likely find a similar venue nearby your next holiday destination around Australia, and I'll include links to other venues around Australia.
I have also shared this amazing experience by one of our Facebook Group followers Alison Halloran and her sweet son Ewan.
Here is what Alison told me about Ewan's adventure:
"Ewan is 7, is a lover of adventure, fun and the beach. He is a wheel chair user, legally blind and has some hearing loss, but no holding him back!
He spent many of his early years on the beach at Torquay as we lived close by. We now live 3 hours from the closest beach, access onto the beach has become difficult as he has grown so much! ( Mum can’t carry him anymore!) This was saddening for me as I grew up on the beach. By chance we met a lady from Ocean Grove Disabled Surfing Association who approached Ewan asking him if liked the beach ? A resounding ‘yes’ was heard, that was that, and we registered with Ocean Grove DSA, where we attended in March 2019.
It was incredible.
DSA Ocean Grove are an organised, professional and welcoming group. Engaged, enthusiastic volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, from old saltys to groms. Ewan was a little nervous, but by his second wave surrounded by supporting hands and heartfelt cheers, his smile was ear to ear. The cheers and clapping can be heard for very participant on every wave.
Wow, our hearts were full. Ewan enjoyed a new sense of freedom and confidence. We could not achieve this without support of this wonderful group."
Ali, Ewan’s Mum.
Ocean Grove beach offers year-round accessibility, and your family can either drive or walk. (Crossing the Barwon Heads bridge, and flat paths leading to the accessible beach area). To Register to participate with the event DSA Ocean Grove is organising HERE.
If you are inspired to give Disabled Surfing a go, and unable to get to The Bellarine Peninsula, I have listed all the other locations around Australia for you.
Here is what Alison told me about Ewan's adventure:
"Ewan is 7, is a lover of adventure, fun and the beach. He is a wheel chair user, legally blind and has some hearing loss, but no holding him back!
He spent many of his early years on the beach at Torquay as we lived close by. We now live 3 hours from the closest beach, access onto the beach has become difficult as he has grown so much! ( Mum can’t carry him anymore!) This was saddening for me as I grew up on the beach. By chance we met a lady from Ocean Grove Disabled Surfing Association who approached Ewan asking him if liked the beach ? A resounding ‘yes’ was heard, that was that, and we registered with Ocean Grove DSA, where we attended in March 2019.
It was incredible.
DSA Ocean Grove are an organised, professional and welcoming group. Engaged, enthusiastic volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, from old saltys to groms. Ewan was a little nervous, but by his second wave surrounded by supporting hands and heartfelt cheers, his smile was ear to ear. The cheers and clapping can be heard for very participant on every wave.
Wow, our hearts were full. Ewan enjoyed a new sense of freedom and confidence. We could not achieve this without support of this wonderful group."
Ali, Ewan’s Mum.
Ocean Grove beach offers year-round accessibility, and your family can either drive or walk. (Crossing the Barwon Heads bridge, and flat paths leading to the accessible beach area). To Register to participate with the event DSA Ocean Grove is organising HERE.When:
Sunday 2nd February 2020, Ocean Grove Main Beach. Sunday 1st March 2020, Ocean Grove Main Beach.Where:
Ocean Grove Surf Club.Accessible features:
At the beach, there are special needs changing/amenities Wheelchair ramp access from the car park all the way to the sand Specialised Beach Wheelchairs (to suit adults and children).
Where to stay:
Luxury Accessible Accommodation in Barwon Heads, just 90 minutes from Melbourne.
100 Hitchcock is located on the main street in heart of Barwon Heads, where the popular TV series SeaChange was filmed. Offering luxury accessible holiday accommodation for families, the house is just a few minutes’ walk to shops and the beach. Park your car when you arrive and stroll everywhere.
