First official UK Adaptive Surfing Centre Announced…

Image copyright | The Wave Project

Surfing England, Surf South West and The Wave Project have partnered to create the first official surfing centre for people with disabilities. The centre will open in Croyde, North Devon, on 21 April 2023. Exciting news for those of us who are keen to see the benefits of surfing be extended to all, and especially exciting as it’s the first time that ‘Surfing England, the national governing body for surfing in England has designated a surf school an official ‘adaptive surfing hub’’.

Commenting on the new partnership, SE, SSW and The Wave Project have indicated that the new venture ‘will offer a ‘centre of excellence’ for people with disabilities who want to try surfing or improve in the sport, providing highly trained coaches and the latest adaptive surfing equipment to enable people with all disabilities to take part in the sport'.’

Adaptive surfing (also referred to as para surfing) means that modifications can be made to equipment, the environment, and possibly the people that will allow people with disabilities to engage in surfing. It is envisaged that through making these modifications people can participate in surfing with greater independence, comfort, and confidence. On the global agenda, adaptive surfing is also currently being considered as a sport for the Paralympics so this decision has huge benefits for the growth of the adaptive scene at both grass roots and the elite level.

Adaptive Surfers and volunteers/support crew keen to get involved in the sport should contact Surf South West for details of the programme, which includes the creation of an Adaptive Surf volunteer training programme, allowing more people to support the development of the sport of para-surfing, and open up water access to all.

Check out The Wave Project , Surfing England Adaptive Team or Surf South West for further info.

Author | Lara Hayward | HCSC Founder