General News
24 March, 2022
Disabled surfers return with a splash
THE Disabled Surfers Association of Australia (DSAA) made a record-setting return to the south west over the weekend, bringing together the largest number of volunteers in event history to provide a day of surfing.
THE Disabled Surfers Association of Australia (DSAA) made a record-setting return to the south west over the weekend, bringing together the largest number of volunteers in event history to provide a day of surfing.
The DSAA provides an opportunity for locals living with a disability to get out in the water, thanks to the efforts of a large number of volunteers and specialised equipment to ensure anyone, of any ability, is welcome.
Participants flocked to the Warrnambool Surf Life-Saving Club on Saturday from across the region including Cobden, Terang, Kolora and Timboon to hit the waves.
DSAA Great South Coast president Luke Robertson said he was thrilled to see the event return to action after COVID-19 forced the event’s hiatus.
“We’ve had a two-year absence and were unable to run our first two events this year due to COVID restrictions, and I felt everyone was really excited to be back,” he said.
“We had a record number of volunteers, with 72 in total, and we had 36 surfers who just kept coming in.
“We had plenty of participants who came along to have a bit of a look, see what it’s about, and they ended up getting suited up and away they went.”
“It was just an amazing day.”
Mr Robertson said it was a special feeling to assist participants getting out on the water, including one man who was wheelchair-bound.
“He was a pretty high needs client and we needed to be maxed out for this surfer to support him from his automated wheelchair on the beach, right down to our chair in the surf, and he got like three or four surfs in which was amazing,” he said.
Mr Robertson thanked the volunteers for their willingness to dedicate their time to the event, in what is a physically challenging day but also extremely rewarding.
“It was a massive effort from the volunteers, they spent a lot of the day in the water making sure everyone had a great day,” he said.
“We had a large number of volunteers from the Mortlake area.”
The 2022 Brian Gorman Memorial Trophy, awarded to the volunteer of the day, was awarded to Maya Knell.
“She is only about nine years-old, and she has transitioned to being able to be on the back of the board with some of our smaller participants, so that was pretty special,” Mr Robertson said.
“I would like to thank all our volunteers, and give a shout out to Keith Curtain from Go Surf School in Port Fairy.
“He donates two of the stand-up paddle boards that we use and he brings over a few of his team to volunteer as well.
“It was just such a big response from everyone.”
Mr Robertson said it was likely the event would mark the first and final for the summer, but was hopeful for a return in December with plans for a bigger, better event.
Anyone wanting to learn more about the DSAA or to volunteer at future events can visit www.disabledsurfers.org.
